10/08/2015 I’m on a roll today. Blog # 2, with # 3 to follow tomorrow.
The morning after the Rehab concert we delivered my beloved Pilates Allegro Reformer to my friend Jill’s Pilates Studio, Core Pilates. It has been sitting in the downstairs unused by me and I felt guilty as hell about it. If I haven’t used it in 2 years, I’m not going to, I’m getting older, not younger. When I messaged Jill to see if she was interested in buying it she was amazed because, like she says, “who owns a reformer?” Well, I do and back in Washington I used it almost nightly. It was also a fabulous prop for my crazy friend Kevin to perform on during our parties.
Most people don’t see a Pilates machine and have hysterical fits of laughter from memories about a friend using the machine. I feel sorry for them and grateful for all of our gang in WA who were able to experience the hilarity of Kevin performing feats that we never thought were humanly possible on a Pilates machine.
When we got home we piled the Beach Boys in the car and headed for Big Bight for them to go swimming. They knew where we were and literally FLEW out of the car and ran to the beach. Excitement was coursing through their veins. So was the testosterone, but that was in their brains. They were scrappy.
Handsome BarrioWe love our Beach Boys. These guys are getting huge, Gringo, on the right weighs 40#, more than his Momma and he’s only 6 months old!They chased each other around this small key most of the time we were there, under the logs, over the logs, around the edge, run in the water, back out, jump and snarl, run some more. I just stayed out of their way.They sure love to swim!And roll in the sandLove the unusual palapa roof on the dock next doorBarrio being weirdIlias from Pineapple was there with a drone.
When the pups were tired and laying around, too pooped to play any longer, we brought them home and I had the fun job of bathing all 3 of them and then I bathed Frito too because she stunk.
We have been spending many evenings on the roof, watching the sun go down. The dogs love it up there, they “guard” the property quite well. It also gives them a large unobstructed battlefield. OMG. It gets crazy up there with 5 dogs running laps.
Lola climbs on Highways back all the time, I believe it is her showing her supposed dominance.It is non-stopTestosterone running extremely high. The rule around this house is “You don’t hump family.” Max didn’t get the memo.The most loving dog in the family, Highway.I know this is way out of focus but I love all the teethHe scares no-one. They lick his gums.It almost looks like they are singing..Handsome HighwayLolaShe is a gorgeous dog but “the lights are on and no-one’s home” This girl is totally lost in space..My buddy Highway.They love to stick their heads through the rails. Before the rails, they leaned over the edge and we were always afraid they would get rough housing and someone would fall off, one of the main reasons for the rails. Well, the dogs and people.
Bill bought a whole chicken for the dog food and threw it in the crock pot for 5 hours, then we added veggies and cooked rice. It makes enough food to add to their dried food for about 8 days. The chicken turned out really good.
Dog foodThey love raw zucchini and carrots
In fact the chicken was so good, we made one for ourselves the other evening and invited Mr. John, our neighbor up for dinner. I made mashed potatoes, stuffing, the whole works. Biggest meal we have had for a long time. I also made my all time favorite peanut butter pie. I could eat a whole one alone, and then puke for 2 days.
After dinner we were cleaning up and Bill was feeding the pups some scraps. They were salivating all over.
I LOVE Max’s eyes in this pic.Patiently waitingThis is raw sweet potatoes, they LOVE them. I also dehydrate them and freeze slices, they will eat them all 3 ways.I’m fortunate my dogs match my floors, that way I can trip over them several times a day.
The other day I got the brainy OCD desire to organize ALL OF THE DOG COLLARS (from Helping Paws Across Borders vet team) that were in 2 huge bags in my spare bedroom. Frito bean decided to help me.
There are so many collars and after being used for 2 weeks, they were all mixed up. I LOVE to organize.I did not do them by color, only by width and size and style.All buckled ones together, all leather together, all harnesses and snap (cloth choke) collars separated.It was fun but when I was done I couldn’t stand up straight because I had been leaning over for an hour+.All in one bag now. Only 10 more suitcases of supplies to organize but I think Kathy and I will do that with a bottle of wine.
Today is Thursday, tomorrow is the 100th birthday party for Aunty Clara in Coxen Hole and Saturday finds me back at the airport again. I still have one more blog to get out today about our day in the jungle with Doña Maria, it was so amazing. If the dogs keep on sleeping and I can keep on concentrating, it will be published later today.
09/08/2015 It seems like it’s still August with the weather as hot as it is and not a freaking drop of rain. The lack of any measurable precipitation makes me very thankful for the well we share. We don’t get well water very often but when it’s this dry for a long period, we appreciate the fact that it is available as needed.
Sunday the pups had another beach day. We took them to Paya Bay beach (don’t hate on me Jeanie, I gave them the finger). I’ve been there before and seen the beach but never swam there. We met our friends (and Tank’s parents) around 11. Tank is my boys brother, he is such a love. Paya Bay is a good 25 minutes from home down a hellishly bad dirt and dust laden road. Gringo had crawled up on my lap and fallen asleep. We were almost there when I once again felt a warm trickle down the inside of my thigh. Yep. Gringo peed on my lap for the 3rd time. I think he has a fetish.
Claire and I took the boys in right away. It was a first for mine to swim in waves and initially they ran from them. Once they realized the waves were’t going to swallow them up they put their adventurous faces on and swam into them. Remember, they are at face level with the pups, calf level for me. Much more traumatizing for them.
Gringo attacks the wavesBill & Kevin, solving all the world’s problems in one short afternoon. Pups left to right, back row, Tank and Barrio, front row, Gringo and Max. I know my Beach Boys.Tank, Max and Gringo. Not sure why the water isn’t clear along the shore. It must have something to do with the sand on the bottom or the waves. It was clear a little further out.Paya Bay Beach Resort. You can see the water clears up just off shore.Deserted beachMy friend’s place on the left (you can barely see it)Look how handsome Tank is..followed by Max and GringoEven closer..love these boys6 boys on a beach, only 4 of them listen.My MaxilliciousL to R: Barrio, Tank, Max and GringoAnd he says he doesn’t like the dog..sharing a kiss (French nonetheless) with Tank..
The pups had a blast until some locals came with small kids. Bill and Kevin put them on leashes. Soon after that Claire and I decided to exit our warm bath in the ocean, got our stuff together and headed for home. The boys were passed out soon afterwards.
3 on the floorMax is awake. You can still see the scar under his left eye from the fight he and Barrio had.Barrio fighting sleep. Notice the claw mark on my arm?He gave in
We came home, they all got baths, I fed them, showered and we all slept…
Monday morning Maxillicious and I picked Brenda and Toni up in Oak Ridge at BJ’s. We were headed for a day of R&R at West Bay Beach, it was Max’s first time at a civilized beach. We once again chose Bananarama because, well, it’s my spot. After 8 years I just don’t go elsewhere.
Brenda and Toni are moving back to Germany in less than 2 weeks. I’m sad but happy for them. Brenda and I met at the first vet clinic I worked at for Helping Paws Across Borders and we really got along well. We also worked together at the last one and have been doing some dog stuff together too. We plan to do one last clinic before she leaves. Insert super sad face. Toni is her German boyfriend and he is an uber sweetheart, instant love. It was great to spend a day with them and Max at the beach. It was very empty, just a light sprinkling of people minus the annoying, “Wanna massage ladeeee?” NO. I ACTUALLY DON’T. We floated and ate and had a few drinks and floated some more. After 4 hours we decided it was time to make the trek back to the other end of the island. I have to brag. Max was a perfect angel. While he and I were floating, (well, he was on the raft) a lady and man were nearby. They asked me if he liked to swim.
Can this get any cuter??
I said, “he loves it.” They then said, “You’re the lady from the airport.” Yep…that is me. Small island. Small world.
Yes, I know my life sucks.My spot, BananaramaCrystal clear waterThe guy and his ultra cool droneDRONEMr. SandmanMy fav spotBrenda and her new man, Max. I had him wear a harness instead of a collar in case I needed to grab him, the harness is much more grab friendly. Plus it matches the water..Brenda w/ Max and Toni is floating in the background.
While we were eating Max started digging in the sand, which was fine, he likes to dig. However, he was digging with his nose. Check out the video HERE. He was really “digging it”.
He fell asleep on the ride home. Once I dropped those 2 off at BJ’s he got whiney and cried the whole way home. I fed him because he wouldn’t eat at the beach and afterwards he just chilled out. Max was the only dog still inside at bedtime, he didn’t want to go out with the other ones. Later that evening I went to lay down on the bed and I carried him in and flopped him down with me. He jumped down a few times and wandered around, terrorizing the cat and finally jumped back up and laid down. And that is where he slept until 6 AM. He didn’t move except when I moved him because he was hogging half the bed. Bill had his feet hanging off the side because Max was in his foot spot. He didn’t pee, thankfully..and he didn’t eat all the cat litter. However, Emmy hates me and has done nothing besides lunge out after my bare ankles as I walk by the bed and bitten me. Several times. She rules the roost, or at least she thinks she does.
I recently wrote a little piece for a fellow blogger about living in a small place. You can read it here. Thanks Clara for having me, check out her blog at http://www.expatpartnersurvival.com.
Facebook has several local Roatan pages, things for sale, cars, looking for advice, etc. I peruse them once in awhile, mostly for the entertainment value. Take this one (copied verbatim) for instance:
I am selling. A Nissan. Altima rims 2001. Tourism Air Conditioning. With papers. In rule. Interested. Can talk to the 9770-xxxx. With XXXXXX (don’t want to use their name or number). The car. He is. On Gipson quite west end Roatan.
No price, no condition, no mileage..that’s how we do it here on Roatan.
I worked at theairport again this past Saturday and had a woman approach me as I wove me way through the immigration lines chatting to people. She said, “You’re the blogger aren’t you”? So much fun meeting people who are following my blog. Check out Angie’s blog here.
Find the frog..2 days in a rowgross..HMM, counter height now.Yes, this is a Kangaroo scrotum bottle opener. Thank you KP, it is well used..Sharing a supposedly indestructible Nylabone tree trunk. They will destroy it.BANANAS, home grown from a tree we planted 2 years ago. We have several trees but what happens when you grow BANANAS is, the whole stalk ripens at the same time so you have a shitload of BANANAS. Too bad I don’t live closer to the BANANA DONUT man.A big bowl of apple BANANAS, I froze enough to make many loaves of bread and to make treats for the dogs.This is only part of the bunch that we left on the counter to eat. The dogs love them frozen. These are smaller than regular BANANAS and some people say they taste like apples, we think they taste like strawberries.After dinner wrestling, 5 tails, 5 butts and 20 legs
I have mentioned my friend Sam Arch and his Dad before. They run Arch’s Iguana farm and Sam is the one who takes me snorkeling with Frank the Barracuda and, he took my friends and I to Pigeon Key. Anyhow, this is a great write up about the Arch family. I’m proud to call them friends. You can read the article by clicking here.
It’s bedtime again and Max is curled up on our bed. I don’t know if this will cause an issue with him and the other dogs or not. Do dogs get pissed off about that stuff? Preferential treatment and all?
I’m off to snuggle with my furry little boy.. (Not Bill)
08/19/2015 Brenda Lee and I have worked together at the last 2 clinics that Helping Paws Across Borders has held on the island. This time when the vets left, they had Brenda keep their meds in the hopes she could have a few vaccine, flea and tick treatment clinics. She and her boyfriend Tony and their friend Tyron had one the previous week and it was very successful so she decided to do it again and asked me to help.
I met them at the water taxi stand in Oak Ridge Bight and we went to the entrance of the bight (bay) on the way to Pandy Town. We borrowed 2 tables and 4 chairs from the church next door and started setting up.
Brenda Lee, Tony’s butt and Tyron getting stuff set up.The ‘hood we were in.Tyron went and got this poor old boy. The ass$ole owner didn’t want the dog so he didn’t bother to feed him. He had hematoma’s in both ears, his ear canals were swollen shut. We think he also had erlichia because his feet were so swollen.His ears had open wounds on them and were buzzed by flies constantly.All dogs have callouses on their joints, knees/elbows, but this guys were on his butt bones because they protruded so far from his body. It made my heart ache.Sweet Tony went in search of food and when fed, this dog ate and ate and ate.
Neither Brenda nor I could take the dog home, I am already overdosed with pets and Brenda and Tony are in the process of moving back to Germany in 3 weeks with their 2 dogs. I called a “local shelter” and after a 10 minute lecture, they decided they would come and get him. Which they did. He was taken to the vet for his ears and will need to remain under a watchful eye until he is able to be adopted. His name is Dash. I heard that after 3 days, a bath and regular meals, he has some perkiness to him.
That’s all Brenda and I wanted was him taken care of. We have been accused of doing this to get attention which is ridiculous. We are volunteering our time to help as many animals as we can and we are posting it on Facebook to draw attention to the PLIGHT OF THE ANIMALS on this island.
On Wednesday we saw so many children with pets in serious need of medical attention. I keep trying to be positive about it by telling myself at least the kids brought their pet in to get help. Most animals arrived with a rope around their neck, or a wire, a chain or whatever. Anything to get them to the clinic. EVERY dog left with a new collar (we ran out of leashes but at least no more ropes, etc around the animals neck). Tony was getting the meds ready, Brenda and Tyron were putting muzzles on, “cross dogs” as Tyron says, determining and dispensing, administering treatment, pulling off ticks and I was registering, cleaning thick black mites out of dog ears, pulling ticks out and squishing them with tweezers or my nail, rubbing young pups w/ flea and tick stuff, cutting way long toenails. We all did crowd control, which was our main issue. Everything is a circus around here, whether it be an accident, a dead cow on the road, a dog getting shots, they MUST SEE EVERYTHING. It is the culture and we need to work the best we can with it.
I was in love…This one did me in. He was in pretty good shape too.I finally had to give him up, too busy.We muzzled the majority of the dogs. Most of these animals have never been to a vet, nor walked on a leash. They either run free or are chained 24/7. It was a very scary place for them and muzzles made it safer for everyone, dogs included.We were upset about this dog. The poor thing was so under fed and uncared for. They said it was a chihuahua when it was really a malnourished pup. It was full of ticks and fleas.. We gave them food for it, hoping the dog gets to eat it before the food is sold for candy.This dog was seen last week. It’s stomach was engorged with worms and parasites. Brenda treated it and asked the girl to bring it back so it could be checked. The dog looked great and was eating well and Brenda was thrilled!Most gorgeous children on this rockWe aren’t sure but we think this is ringworm. Brenda took several pics and sent to Angie (HPAB) and the crew for an answer and their recommended treatmentWe had people come with 3 dogs at a time. One guy pulled up in a truck with 4 humongo dogs in the back.What’cha looking at?? Another hungry boy.Administering shotsKids and their dogThis was a gorgeous dog, a little underfed though, as most were.Part of the crowd control was keeping little ones like this from taking the marker, the scissors, the bottles of flea and tick spray. We needed a screened off area..But they are so stinking cute…Fancy muzzle!Brenda and Tyron readying a dog for it’s shots.Dash on his way to the animal shelter.Cute kid and dogs but the dogs were crawling with fleas and their ears were thick black yuck filled with ear mites and fleas, it was so gross. It took a long time to get them clean.Take my picture please…See, marker in hand.. Goofy boys..This young boys face speaks volumes. No emotion, no facial expression, just a sad soul in a small body.Another of the little boys feet, no shoes. I noticed many of the children have lots of scars on their arms and legs. Maybe from walking through the jungle? I can only hope that’s why.Brenda and Tyron discussing treatment with a pet ownerThis was towards the end of the day, we were stinky, sweaty and more than likely flea ridden.
After working 9-5 in a dirt alley with a dusty street, I came home and immediately showered. I was so exhausted that evening I think I just sat here and stared at the computer and then crashed very early.
We made a small difference in the lives of 70 animals. Maybe some of what we told the kids and the adults will sink in. Maybe they will understand that all animals have feelings too and that they deserve to be treated well. It’s difficult in a society that have so many children in a family that it’s nearly impossible to provide for them, let alone the animals.
***Everything I post on this site, whether it is about Because We Care, Helping Paws Across Borders or Cattleya, it is not about me at all, it’s about the things I am PASSIONATE about on Roatan. I am trying to raise awareness to situations that many people choose to turn a blind eye to. If more people did just a small part, it would make a huge difference.***
08/05/2015 I spent the better part of Saturday the 25th at the airport waiting for the majority of the Helping Paws Across Borders vets and vet techs to arrive so I could help Kathy shuttle them and all of their gear to Oak Ridge. Bill got to the airport at 3 to help also, there were a lot of people and lots and lots of luggage (medical supplies, etc.) After some shots of tequila @ BJ’s (trust me, there’s the same amount of tequila in each of these glasses, even though some were shot glasses and some were drinking glasses), they got a boat to the Reef House Resort where they are staying. The Reef House is very close to Oak Ridge where the clinic will be.
On Tuesday I loaded Lola into my car and we were off for the vet clinic at 7:40 AM. Lola was getting spayed and I was volunteering at the clinic. We were SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO busy. I was trying to check people in and I had no clipboard to lean on to even write. My friend Mac came with his 2 gorgeous well behaved dogs and he gave me his clipboard, Damn, where is Bank of America’s BIG BLUE when you really need it??
It was a scorchingly hot day, I felt sorry for the animals and people waiting. When Lola came out of surgery we had a hard time rousing her. Some dogs handle anesthesia differently than others. I, myself, used to be a puke fest with it until I started telling the docs and they put anti nausea meds in it. What a difference. We got some ice packs for Lola and I was rubbing her tongue with ice, she was starting to come around. I called Bill to come get her but it was still awhile after he got there until they were comfortable to let her go. She took a few days to get back eating but seems to be doing fine almost 1 week after. We kept her away from the pups the first day and that only upset them and her. They adore her and were missing her terribly. Once we let her back out with them they didn’t stop licking her face..They love them some Lola.
I spent Tues, Wed and Thursday there from 8-5 everyday except Thursday when I got there at 9. (I was busy making the vets rum balls for their after work treats). The vets took a much deserved day off on Friday and we were all back at it again Saturday. I love working with this group of people!
They say a picture is worth 1000 words, here are the pics..
Setting up in the “far from ideal” conditions. Not much air moving, 90+ degrees, dust blowing around the parking lot, barking dogs and kids everywhere.Some of the early birdsThey came in trucks, cars, taxis, on motorcycles and on foot.Brenda loving on a poochMy friend Mac with his 2 gorgeous dogs. Dr. Allison Kean is talking to him and Amber Stickel, a volunteer tech on the right.Kathy and Jenn in the prep room. This is where the anesthesia is administered to knock them out.People waiting and we were waiting too, for our other tables and chairs to be delivered..Cleo, sitting on the table and Shannon on the right are talking to a man who brought his Great Dane in to have a hematoma removed from his ear.My Lola girl, out of it. She was getting spayed.Dogs everywhereNina, Morgan and Susan working on Lola in recoveryJoe and his dog Jetty with Susan, in recovery also.We put colored tape with a number on everyone .Adam, Nina’s hubby with a cat in recovery.GATOS!! (cats)A cute little puppy I was warming up. Despite the hot temps, this guy had a bath and was shivering when he arrived.Shannon, Morgan, Tiffany and Susan with Shannon’s cats in recoveryTreating the Great Dane’s hematoma.After surgery. I have since been in touch with the owners and he is doing fine.Saturday morning and it was pouring.Joe and Jetty on TuesdayCleo and I checking in dogs on Thursday.Me, trying to check in dogs on TuesdayThey all had a pet!Dr. Chante Wildgoose from the Bahamas, Tiffany, Dr. Allison Kean and Amber Stickel.This poor guy needed some serious treatments.My friend Shannon and her catsDogs of all sizes and in all kinds of conditions, some good some really bad. The important thing is, these people took the time to bring their pets to see us.Gorgeous little girl.This guy had his dog run alongside his motorcycle..More kittensThis poor dog was skin and bonesCute all around!!
It is hot sweaty work for me, I can’t imagine what it’s like for the vets working with the animals. The temperature was over 90 everyday, the tents were hot, the people and their pets were waiting, it was stressful all around. We saw some very poorly cared for animals but they did take the time to bring them to us so they must care a little at least.
The first day was chaotic as always, the second day we were SLAMMED.
This is Luis, he runs the gas station in Oak RidgeIf it works..it’s good.waiting with her dogThe vets and vet techs hard at work. The vet techs spent all day kneeling on the ground working in recovery with the pets.Lots of big dog were seenPaca, in the blue striped shirt kept bringing us animals like he did in February. We found out they are all the animals in his neighborhood. He is developmentally behind but a nice boy who love animals; they love him back and he has a firm grasp on that reality.sweetieA big boySometimes people brought in 2, 3 or even 4 dogs.Paca again. We all love him. I ended up taking him and a dog and the young girl and boy who are actually the owners home. The dog had surgery and he couldn’t carry it that far.Another boy and his dogPeople and pets all overPrep roomtrying to keep the animals hydrated while they waited.foot bathDouglas, our interpreter and honorary vet tech assistant.Every dog got a new collar and leashOut of recovery and on the way homeA huge mastiffLaura and PacaMy boy Duke, Marcia brought him in to get his skin rash checked. Love this guy so much..This guy took 3 dogs home this way, one at a time.Kathy holding Buddy, he was a sweet boy. Kathy is the Dog Whisperer (really animal whisperer) on the island. She is the driving force that makes this all come together. She has a huge heart and will go out of her way to help an animal in distress.Big rottieA little girl with her kittens, their Momma was spayed. She was brought to us in an empty rice sack bag.School girls with their petsKitten loveAt the end of the day the vets started passing out toys and candy to the kids. It was fun to watch their reactions!Checking out their loot.They all waited patiently.Helping Paws Across Borders ROCKS!!Then crazy Jennifer put on the glasses with the nose and everyone wanted them.These kids are so gorgeous.Paca couldn’t get his nose adjusted right so he came over to get me to help him. After I took his photo I showed it to him and he smiled.Smiling faces
All in all it was a fabulous experience to help so many animals. some were well cared for, well fed and healthy, others were teeter tottering on the verge of death. That’s when it really gets to you. EVERY SINGLE VET AND VET TECH ASSISTANT in this group is madly passionate about animal care. They raise money to buy supplies, they pay for their own flights, their own rooms and food, all because they want to help the animals. If you are interested you can donate to this group, they are a legitimate 501C and would be grateful for any donation, no matter the size.
This guy is as happy as a pig in shit. The pig is neutered…Smiling Ninja Turtle VetsThe one and only Dr. Chante Wildgoose. Can you say GORGEOUS??These 2 are scary Ninja Turtle Vets, especially the one on the left. She has skills..Jennifer and Jenn with Buddy..
If I was mentally and physically exhausted after 4 days of vet clinics can you imagine how the vets and the techs felt?? I am in no way complaining, I am so grateful they came and that I got to know them all a little better. They are compassionate, committed and an absolute blast to be around. It’s nice to see a group of people, (some who met for the first time the day they arrived) with a common cause come together to try to make a difference. They were like a well oiled machine, I can’t say enough about them.
HELPING PAWS ACROSS BORDERS ROCKS!! Love all of you guys and thanks so much for what you did for the animal population on the east end of the island. Many thanks to Kathy Shupe, the absolute ultimate co-ordinator…
I apologize that I lost track of who took what photo. The main contributors are: Morgan Rivera, Nina Stively and Susan Neas and myself. If I missed you, I’m sorry, I was just grabbing photos whenever I could so I could show what actually went on at the clinic..
P.S. Any vets or vet techs needing a vacation are welcome to stay in our guest condo, anytime…warning though, we have 7 dogs.
03/06/2015 I arrived at the Roatan airport a little after 11 last Saturday morning. The crowds were unlike anything I’ve recently seen there. I was told that United ticketing computers were down, all over, not just Roa. They were checking people in by hand and it was taking a LOOOONG time. I saw some people waiting almost 1.5 hours to get their boarding pass, then they had to wait to pay their exit fee if it wasn’t already included in their ticket. Yowsa. We did crowd control, telling everyone what was happening, assuring them they would NOT miss their flight off the island. It’s walking a fine line trying to keep the economy passengers out of the First/Premier line. Even though that line was shorter we couldn’t put other people in it, it’s not fair to the people who paid higher prices for the convenience of no lines. Add to that problem the Delta issue. That plane was to land at noon and take off around 1:30 back to Atlanta. It was late to leave the gate in ATL and then had to make an emergency landing in Tampa where it was delayed even longer. At 4:15 PM it still had not landed and wasn’t due to land until 7:05. There was a plane full of people waiting to leave Roa on that flight. A few people asked me if this was how the island makes more money, by stranding the tourists. They can come but they can’t go home. I saw a family in the main part of the lobby with 2 big dogs and dog crates, they didn’t want to go through security until they knew the flight was ready to leave because of how long the dogs would be caged. I left for home around 4;45 and never heard the Delta flight land but I did hear it leave Roatan at 8:40 P.M. {while I was sitting on the bathroom counter soaking my aching feet in Epsom Salts and drinking wine.} Daine, Milesse and Monique went to dinner and then went back to the airport and welcomed that flight when it arrived. I was in bed by 9 PM.
On Sunday Nancy and Chuck were coming for an early dinner. Once again Bill was making his pizza from scratch. They came over around 3:30 and hung out until well after dark. We had a great time visiting with them. Nancy brought some margarita’s but I did not allow one tiny drop of it to touch my lips. I might be dumb blonde and old but I’ll never forget a hangover from hell.
Monday found me back at the Physiotherapist’s office for another treatment. I’m not sure why but I seem to be regressing. My arm and shoulder hurt more now than they did after the first session. I was to go back this week but have not had the time.
We have B A N A N A S (thinking of Gwen Stefani when I type BANANAS) growing on our hill. Finally. The tree was planted a year ago and is producing fruit for the first time!
My new job may be selling BANANAS down at the end of the driveway. I possibly could make $2.00 a day.
There is a Ladies Lunch group that meets monthly for lunch at different restaurants all over the island. I rarely go because it’s really not my thing but I went this time for a few reasons.
#1. It was at a new Italian restaurant that I wanted to try because, well, I’m Italian.
#2. It was across the street from Umbul Umbul, my favorite store where there is always something I want/need.
I was thoroughly disappointed in the service and the meal, just not a fun experience except for meeting new friends and seeing old ones. The pasta reminded me of Play Dough. Not good. I’m not naming the place because they recently just opened and maybe they need more time to get their shit together.
Highlight of the day, I FINALLY got to meet my friend Amanda Walkins. She is as cute, if not cuter in person than in her photos! They always have raffle drawings at the luncheon and I won a free pizza from the restaurant we had lunch at. It was only good for a month and there is no way Bill and I will drive 45 minutes for a pizza when he makes killer ones right here at home, so I gave it to Amanda.
On Wednesday I was back at the vet clinic in Oak Ridge. They were supposed to do the last 3 days in Punta Gorda but their reception there was not as it should be so they moved it back to Oak Ridge. I got there around 11:30. It wasn’t super busy right then but Kathy kept making runs in her truck to pick up dogs from outlying areas. One man came in with his dog that had been attacked by 3 other dogs. She was a mess. She had been seen by a vet but needed more medical care than what she was given. Several of the vets worked on her, got her medicated and cleaned up her wounds. They made sure she was comfortable before she went home.
Kathy’s pet taxiThe big dog is so skinny you can count his ribsI’m a sucker for puppiesLove his face. This is my friend Brendas dog’s brother. Her dog is 4 times the size of this guy.Brenda was having a hard time with her dogs brother. She wanted to take him home and feed him.The majority of these dogs come in with chains or ropes around their neck. I even saw one with an extension cord around the neck. They all leave with a collar and a leash and flea and tick meds, heart worm meds and worm meds are given as are routine shots.Surgery roomA girl and her dogs. The scruffy one has TVT and had to have surgery for that along with neutering. TVT is very prevalent on the island, 70% of dogs are carriers and if not treated, the dog will die. TVT is Transmissible Venereal Tumor. It’s very similar to aids in humans. Maybe Mother Natures way of controlling the number of dogs in the world but the dogs that get it will die a painful death if not treated with surgery and chemotherapy. Most people can’t afford to spay their animals let alone pay for surgery and chemo.
Brenda and I did our damnest to talk people into neutering/spaying their dogs. Most of the females got fixed but the men act like it’s them getting snipped and not the dog. Many times they would say it wasn’t their dog so we would give them our phone to call the owner and tell them they needed to “fix” their dog. Sometimes we were successful, most times we were not. Next time I am printing some of these signs.
The founder of Helping Paws Across Borders, Angie Cherry, in the green scrubs.The dogs laying on the ground are recovering from surgery.A one week old puppy. It’s eyes were not even open. The mother dog won’t feed it. I assume she is starving herself and has no milk for the puppy. The owners are trying to feed it with a dropper but I doubt this little guy will live.skin and bonesPoor guyNice leash
When I was working at the Police station in Oak Ridge last year I met a sweet lady who was there helping out. We talked while we were working and when I left I gave her a big hug. On Wednesday I checked in a lady by the name of Soila, she brought her dog Pauna to be spayed. Pauna was healthy and well fed. Soon after I checked her in I realized who she was. I said you’re the lady I worked with at the Police station and she said she knew that she had met me before. I ended up taking her and her dog and a man and his daughter and their 2 dogs home to Lucy Point. Sweet sweet lady, so happy I finally know her name.
I was exhausted when I got home and filthy dirty. The shower and a glass of wine were screaming my name. I told Kathy I would be back the next day at the same time. I wanted to make something for the vets to have to eat so I made a quick run to the store Thursday morning. When I got to the clinic it was pretty quiet but it picked up again after lunch. For dessert for the vets I sliced up apples, spread peanut butter on them and dipped them in granola and chocolate chips. MMM Yummy! They ate them all!
Cute puppies who had fabulous PUPPY BREATHThis dog was gorgeous, would have taken him home too.Doing a spay/neuterrecovery room like none you’ve seen beforeThese vets worked non-stopThis was the prep area where the dogs were taken before surgery to get knocked out and shaved if needed.They all are relatedThese two were adorable, very similar to the ones the day before.This is Fire. He belongs to the Bomberos (fire department.) He was getting snipped. The guys didn’t come back until late in the afternoon for him. I had already decided if they didn’t return, he was mine. I was mad when I saw them come back for him.
So Lola is not only still T.U.Q. [The Urine Queen] she is also freaking JAWS. She started chewing on my nice patio furniture chairs and table. I sprayed them with vinegar, that didn’t help. I added hot sauce to the vinegar and by damn, she has a taste for hot sauce. I did the only logical thing I could do. I tied her mouth closed with duct tape. I love that stuff. Just kidding. We brought the nice furniture that she chewed up inside and we now have a white plastic table on the porch. It looks like hell and she may chew the legs off it of. Who knows? The other morning I had her out twice to go potty. Neither time worked, not even a tinkle or a drop. However, right before I left she did a “screw you” pee right in front of the back door. I went outside, picked her up and carried her downstairs to the potty area. I have a 20′ leash down there tied around a pole and I fastened her on there, gave her water and left. She had shade, a place to potty and water. Bill thought he would be home around 3 so I figured a few hours down there wouldn’t hurt her. Well, he was later than he thought he would be and I was at the clinic until after 5. We had a torrential rain storm come through here and I was freaking out about Lola being down there. When Bill came home he went to look for her. She wasn’t where I left her. WTH??
Of course she wan’t down there. She gnawed through the leash and was happily cavorting with her man Highway on the porch again. She may be the reason I never own a dog again.
Emmy is rather thrilled that the patio furniture is inside, she is digging her new spot.
She will be confused once this gets moved downstairs into the guest condo.
Speaking of guest condo. Ughfreakingugh. This is what it looks like mid paint job. I have guests coming the 26th. I am working next week helping to deliver 2300 pairs of TOM’s shoes to needy kids. This may just put me over the edge.
View from bedroom to living room. No, the fridge normally doesn’t sit in the middle of the kitchen.Back bedroomMESSThe new color looks goodNew bedroom behind wall that hasn’t been painted yet on the leftonly 3 weeksBill the Tool Man Crofutt has a lot of tools to put away
The language barrier caused some walls to be painted blue when they weren’t supposed to be. Just a little pissed about that. We just ordered 2 more gallons of a light mandarin orange to finish off the downstairs and cover up some of the blue. We have 2 guys coming tomorrow to work and paint, please painting Gods, let this be finished tomorrow. Please.
One last photo that Connie took of Paola and I at Cattleya last Friday. I love this young girl, she is so special!
Janice on the right rear and Cynthia front right.
I have been extremely lazy and my house reflects my lack of initiative or interest in rectifying this situation. I mean, I hang up my clothes and still make the bed but the kitchen, sometimes it just gets out of control. Sometimes there are dishes stacked and it goes against the way I was raised. I was taught that the kitchen is always cleaned after dinner, everything put away, counters clean, the works. It’s not happening here much any more. The island in my kitchen is a pet peeve because it’s humongo and EVERYFREAKINGTHING gets put on it. Right now there are;
2 different kinds of NSAID’s for Highway and his joint (joint as in bone, not marijuana) issues
a rag with Clorox on it
a slingshot
my sunglasses
my water bottle
a screwdriver (my bad)
my recipe box
a wine cork that Bill needs
the hook part of the leash JAWS chewed
and I have 2 black handbags hanging on the same stool.
Well, that didn’t turn out quite like I thought it would, most of the crap is mine. I presume tomorrow will find me putting away all of the stuff I have so carelessly let lay on the island. My hope is that I get my act together and sort out my small little OCD brain and actually DO something around here. That is my hope.
We have deemed tomorrow a work day but come hell or high water, I will be either pool or beach side on Sunday!
Mermaid on a Raft 