Puppy Gal Welcomes You To
Judy's September 2009 Journal....
Bookmark Judy's Journal - http://www.judysjournal.com
I started this feature for friends and family to answer their "What's going on?" emails, therefore, I probably tell too much, but you are welcome to laugh, cry and sigh with us.If you have been gifted with the ability to love, you are a fortunate person indeed.
Hardeman Co. Animal Control
English Bulldog Puppy Pictures
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"Plant Pictures", Sunday - October 18, 2009 7:00 PM
I asked Bob to stand beside one so you could judge how big they are, he's a little over 6 ft and the pots are on a platform about 2 ft tall.
Other plants still blooming
"We're Exhausted", Saturday - October 17, 2009 8:00 PM
Up at 5 AM to take care of the critters, then off to Bolivar, TN to video the "Friends of Hardeman County Animal Control" they were having their big "March of Dogs" event to make people aware of unwanted animals and to raise money to pay for having the dog and cat rescues spayed or neutered, plus other medical expenses they encounter.
We had to pickup some supplies also so it was 3 PM by the time we got home, with two cameras full of videos to be loaded to Bob's computer, edited and then uploaded to their website. Bob took most of the critter duty, while I tugged on pots of plants and decided where to put what. There just isn't any more room but .... I suggested giving them away and he said "NO" he would find a place. Three of them are tree philodendron (split leaf) which are about 5 ft tall and 5 ft across. I didn't even think about attempting to move them tonight, I'm crossing my fingers hopeful that it doesn't freeze. Also there are 4 GIANT ferns that so very beautiful. Two are in 20 gallon pots and are about 3 ft x 3 ft, if not bigger. I bet after tomorrow he's going to vote to give them away, but who would have room for such big plants .... maybe a motel or hotel. lol For tonight I loaded them in my little yellow wagon and Bob put them in the covered dog run, which is really a greenhouse frame covered in several layers of clear plastic and then a layer of sun reflecting tarps on top. It's too big to heat for winter storage of plants, plus the mice invade it if there are plants, build nests in the soil. The critters are only out there during the day for exercise but we sure don't want mice in their space!!!
Videos will be uploaded tomorrow, I hope. - Judy
"Tender House Plants", Friday - October 16, 2009 6:45 PM
We moved all tender house plants into the house this afternoon, Oh Mercy, what a task. I only have 3 more to move inside and hopefully they will make it through tonight. The ground is just too wet to use the 2 wheeler to bring them in and they are too BIG and heavy to carry. The forecast is:
Tonight Low 41° F
Saturday High 54° F low 36° F
Sunday High 54° F low 36° F
Monday High 58° F Low 34°
so the Angel's Trumpets should be OK for a few more days, but I got a feeling we're going to have a sneaky frost so I'll work on them tomorrow.
I did so hate to move in all those plants, I get claustrophobic. A few days ago, I told Bob this is it and started giving them away. Good thing cause I couldn't stand more in the house than I have now. I've taken pictures of the living room and I'll post those tomorrow so you'll see what I mean. lol lol Bob kept breaking limbs so I yelled "you know I can't throw them away, I have to root them, so that's another plant!!! I don't want any more plants." He just laughs and says "you'll find it a good home".
Have a good weekend!!! - Judy
"Poor Ruckus", Friday - October 16, 2009 1:30 PM
Keep in mind Ruckus is blind in one eye so ... He was outside on potty break when the wind kicked up, causing the acorns to fall from the BIG oak trees. They were pelting him, he kept jumping, lifting his front legs off the ground as he slung his head around looking to see if I was throwing things at him or if another person was. Finally he decided he didn't care who was doing what, he just wanted back in the house. He came charging toward me rammed his lower jaw, which protrudes, into my leg like, "let's go, hurry Mom, something is wrong".
Crazy critters .... Judy
"Dog Flu", Thursday - October 15, 2009 4:50 PM
Oh My!!! I'm determined by Saturday to give this house the Spring Cleaning it didn't get, because Sunday it's suppose to get down to 36 F which means I've got to bring in the plants. Also I have to treat all the plants with a systemic insecticide so whatever critters are in the soil and on the plants will be killed, plus I've got plans to make a "hutch" for some of the Angel Trumpets to over-winter on the front porch.
Bob delivered supplies to Mildred this afternoon so she could start cutting down her Angel Trumpets ... surveyor's tape to write the name of the Angel when she cuts it, plus other labels and two African Violets I got for her "on sale", one of which they gave to me because they didn't think it would live. I also sent her Mother a BIG Dragonwing Begonia because she admired it. I endeavor to make people happy if possible, after all isn't that what you would want someone to do for you.
Whew, it's been a long day. When I told Big Daddy I was headed for a big glass of wine and a plop on the matress, asking if he wanted to join me, he said "Honey it's only 6 PM". Well dang I've done enough for one day and that's were I'm headed. - Judy
PS The fever is from the arthritis. Mildred, don't forget to get me cuttings of the yellow Angel's Trumpet from the father of your hairdresser's yard!!!!! Also I would like a start of your Ginger.
"Now I Know", Tuesday - October 13, 2009 7:50 PM
Lawdy, what a "Chatch 22" I'm in. I can't take anything for pain relief, but wine. Any pain medication, over the counter or prescription, sets up in my intestines like concrete or I upchuck. Hard liquior doesn't faze the pain nor does beer. So when I'm smacked down with this joint pain, I sip wine to endure it. NOW PLEASE REMEMBER, this is the same woman who went through the removal of the lower lobe of her left lung, due to a cancerous tumor, WITHOUT pain medicine afterward because of this problem.
Now I learn that the wine is a definite contributor .... oh my what am I to do. More later. - Judy
Seems to me the possible answer to destroying the Taliban and al-Qaida militants is for America, Russia, Japan, China and other countries to unite and approach the problem using their elite strike forces. I do believe the best of the best can resolve the militant problem the world is facing. The militants battle with the USA is only step one, their plan is to take over the world.
"Up At 5 AM To Gather Up Chugs, Plants/Cuttings & Stuff", Sunday - October 11, 2009 12:30 PM
I didn't sleep at all last night. Like a fool I ate two tiny Krystal burgers which don't normally trigger severe joint pains. When am I ever going to learn NO BEEF!!! Nevertheless, I pulled my sorry self out of bed at 5 AM to make sure I loaded the van with everything needed for Chugs return home, plus plants. It didn't get light until almost 7 AM, just about the time we were scheduled to "hit the road" for our 9 AM meeting, but I was slipping and sliding in the flooded garden, still hacking away at the Angel's Trumpets for Chugs' Mama. Turned out there wasn't room for but a few so I'll send the leftovers out to other people tomorrow via USPS. Ya'll please ship USPS, we're going to have to bail them out anyway so you might as well support them with funds you were planning on spending to ship items.
I'm now ready to crawl back in bed for a long nap, actually I hope I don't wake up until around 6 AM Monday morning. For whatever reason I still have an elevated temperature, hopefully a long sleep and a dose of antibiotics will help.
I was going crazy trying to figure out why there was so much "dirt" in the house, stupid me the man who owns the property next door did a lot of bulldozing, etc. which set the dirt to swirling, then our attic fan pulled it into the house. I had been blaming poor Melanie.
I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. - Judy
"Still Without Hot Water", Saturday - October 10, 2009 9:00 PM
Well we went to town and got the necessary equipment to change out the heating elements in the water heater. Bob installed the thermostat but that didn't fix the problem. New water hose to drain the tank because all the ones outside are nasty due to the horrible amount of rain we've had. Also we needed a special tool to remove the old elements and install the new ones. Pea gravel was a must to fill in some of the muddy tracks made by the critters during the heavy rains. I can't walk through them, I'm afraid I'll fall again. Creeks and rivers are out of their banks, low lands are flooded and there are sucky sounds of our feet trying to walk in the mud.
By now you all know I have to stop at all the main stores, I buy my eggs at one grocery, milk and cream at another, etc. Therefore when we need a quick trip, Bob goes by himself, he's very efficient. Give him a list and he'll be gone a quarter of the time it takes if I'm along. lol lol
When using a homemade pesticide or Earth elements such as diatomaceous earth (DE), boric acid (roaches, ants), baby powder (ants) or chalk (suppose to keep ants out of the house if applied properly) be sure to use them wisely. Caution should be taken where children and pets are concerned.
Diatomaceous Earth - "Kills Ants, Fleas, Ticks, Cockroaches, Earwigs, Slugs, Beetles, Flies, Silverfish, Bed Bugs and many other pests, naturally, without harsh synthetic chemicals!" Check out the instructions at www.dirtworks.net You can also order from them.
If you want to use "DE" for killing garden pests Wal-Mart normally has it in stock, but if you are going to feed it to pets or livestock, it must be food grade and you can order it from DirtWorks or pay less by ordering from www.ghorganics.com/Diatomaceous Earth.html ** Warning it will also kill beneficial insects so be careful when using.
I'll add more information on insect control in the next few days, right now I'm off to bed. - Judy
"Here Comes The Rain", Friday - October 9, 2009 10:00 AM
There is squall line from Louisiana to Missouri, due to pass through our area. There are "flash flood" warnings posted on the weather stations and it looks as if we are in for one doozy of a time weather wise. What crazy winds we are already experiencing, clashing from different directions, almost like the swirl of a tornado, just not as strong.
"Chuggs", Thursday - October 8, 2009 8:00 PM
Although I would like to keep her for a couple of more weeks, Chuggs is going home to her Mama this weekend. Gail called and told me she wanted to come get her. I hope none of the postings I've made upset her. Chuggs is a good girl but she has Jazzman's show ring posture which the other critters interpret as "here I am and if you don't like it we can tumble". That is what set her mother off, plus her mother is in heat which is always a testy time with Bullies.
Out of the last 24 hours I've slept probably 16 hours. I don't know why I have an elevated temperature but I'm determined to get past this .... lots of sleep, lots of vitamin C, lots of liquid, etc. I got up long enough to cook breakfast, wash dishes, wash dog beds and help walk the critters. That was it, pow back to bed.
Life should be enjoyed, if you are not enjoying your life, change it!!! - Judy
"Ruckus", Wednesday - October 7, 2009 7:00 PM
Chuggs loves Ruckus and he is enamored with her, only problem is he's a big chunk and I don't want him hurting her, so they have had very little time together. Ruckus loves everybody and every other critter but he is one hunky floppy male.
Jeb went out into the woods today and just sat down. When I called to him, he wouldn't come, just sat there. He is so very odd. I went out to where he was and told him to get his behind in the house and immediately he scampered for the back door. He likes Chuggs but he is under the delusion that he's a "stud", even to the point of trying to breed Mr. Cat so he can't be turned loose with her. He is 6 years old and was neutered at a year old so I can't imagine why he keeps thinking he's Mr Stud.
The Angel's Trumpet video has only been posted for a day and already 45 people have viewed it. I think that's great. If only they could see them in person and smell that wonderful frangrace.
For whatever reason, I've got a higher than normal temperature and the critters have run me ragged today with their demands, so I'm going to bed early, early, trying to sleep this fever away. Have fun, smile, joke and be at ease with yourself. Forgive youself for what you did wrong yesterday, it's what you do today and tomorrow that matters. - Judy
"Melanie", Tuesday - October 6, 2009 9:00 PM
Melanie is so much better, she isn't yelping out like she was. We've made it a point to make her "sit" and wait for the back door to be fully opened before she bolts. She's a good, good girl.
Chuggs isn't limping but that is because I started her back on prednisone. My plan is to give it to her for 3 days then tapper off with an every other day dose for a week or so then none.
Ruckus has an upset tummy and some of the others loose stools so the bag of Purina Puppy Chow was replaced with another. The "strays that came to stay" have iron tummies so they will finish it off. In 20 something years we've encountered this type of situation before with Purina, don't know why and suspect they would greatly appreciate me notifying them. I've done it before and they have been very gracious, asking for samples from the bag and sending me coupons for a replacement, but they didn't inform me of their findings so I'm not doing that again. Purina products are very good, just occasionally we get a bag that upsets tummies. To my knowledge Purina has never had a recall on their dry dog food, most other companies have had recalls due to serious problems.
Bob ordered parts for the water heater today to be delivered Priority USPS. lol lol I suggested he order two parts that it could be, no way to check one of them so we're just going to change out parts until the problem is resolved. If truth be known that's what most appliance repair people do. It could be x,y or z so they start changing them out until the problem is resolved.
The washing machine is working like it should be ... I would still like to know the origin of the problem but taking it apart then resembling it seems to have fixed whatever it was.
I hope ya'll like the video of the Angel's Trumpets (Brugmansia). I don't know why I haven't taken videos of the plants before now. I suppose I just can't think of everything. Keep a smile on your face, it will confuse everyone. - Judy
"Chuggs", Monday - October 5, 2009 9:00 PM
Well almost back to square #1 with Chuggs. I guess I'm going to have to tranquilizer her so she doesn't re-injure her leg. She's gotten too big for her britches, pulling on the lead wanting to chase the cats and strays that have come to stay. Today she got in her Mama Petunia's face which was the wrong thing to do. Tunie is a wonderful laid back bully half the size of Chuggs, but she doesn't take kindly to an unknown critter getting in her face. It doesn't matter that Chuggs is one of hers, she hasn't been here all the time so she's now a stranger. So Tunie getting upset, set all the critters on edge. Lawdy I thought we were going to have a dog fight. Cherry Cookie went to the defense of Tunie and I started doing the Demon From Downunder Thunder. Bob had Chuggs on a lead and she was pushing off with her back legs with all her might. Afterward she walked with a limp on that back leg. Dang!!! All our hard work gone to zero cause she's wanting to get in the face of some of the other critters. Maybe I should just let one of them teach her a lesson or two on manners. When I said that out loud I had several volunteers. lol lol Lawdy I was afraid a strange dog in our midst would cause a problem and it has. Good thing the male rescue has been placed, at least he is not a complication.
Say Goodnight, Gracie!!! - Judy
"Melanie", Sunday - October 4, 2009 5:30 PM
A video of her walking and running shows no impaired gait, therefore I've come to the conclusion she bruised her shoulder bolting through the back door before we can get it fully open. If this is the case, she'll be better in just a few days. Think how tender bruises are when you get one, well she's extra sensitive so that's why she yelps.
It's time to move her to the outside covered dog run for overnight, allowing her to patrol and accompany Bob during the day, or teach her not to bolt, for her own good. If in her anxiety to get outside she won't pay attention to my firm "no's, then all it should take would be a bowl of cold water being thrown in her face as I go into my Demon From Downunder Thunder "NO", as she bolts from the door. I always try to train without the "Thunder", if possible. Bob just allows all the critters to do as they wish .... wrong thing to do for a thousand different reasons and situations that might occur!!!! - Judy
Rosamond Seedling, Looks Just Like Her Mama
Bob swears the reason this Angel's Trumpet has far more blooms than all the others is because I feed it garbage ..... all non-greasy kitchen scraps including but not limited to egg shells, peelings of all kinds, overripe vegetables and fruits, used tissues, used paper towels, shredded paper products (junk mail, light cardboard packaging, etc.) and occasional puppy poop. I keep a "round compost dish pan" on top of my trash can and empty it daily. Occasionally, I cover the unsightly compost pile with $1.19 "top soil" sold in a bag at Lowe's.
Day Dreams, Double Pink
We've been troubleshooting the water heater but again are having trouble identifying a problem. Although volt meter reads appear to be just fine, I'm betting it's the thermostat. Wouldn't you know that this silly thing's warranty is up in 6 months, meanwhile we still don't have hot water. Heating water on the stove to wash dishes is one thing, but not being able to take a shower is another. I'll opt for a cold shower if the problem isn't resolved tomorrow, but Bob would not be able to tolerate a cold shower!!!
Gail, Chubbs had projectile diarrhea today. I gave her an as much as would stay on a tablespoon of pumpkin. She took a little lick, looked up at me as if to say "I need a little molasses", but ate it anyway. She hasn't had anything but her Purina Puppy Chow to eat so I don't know why she had an upset tummy. She's had a small nickle size skin lesion on her forehead. Bob put medication on it, then the next day not knowing what he had done, I dabbed it with Listerine. It dried up and the hair grew back. It was the type of lesion she might get from scraping her head on the top of her crate, so I'm not concerned about it. She probably got anxious to go out when we were doing our morning walk of the critters. When she starts barking for "human food" I tell her "NO" and she is quick to respond with her own "NO". I'd say she's a sassy thing!!! Maybe we should call her Sassy Chuggs. She walks just fine ... the only time I can see a difference in her legs is when she squats to tinkle, then the right one is just a little off. - Judy
"Murphy's Law, that which can go wrong does", Saturday - October 3, 2009 9:00 PM
Poor, poor Melanie (rescue German Shepard), she's in pain from her shoulder. She is so different from an English Bulldog which have a high pain threshold. She's yelping whenever her shoulder is touched, she forgets and squeezes through the door before I have it fully open, or forgets and lays on it. I've given her a prednisone, crated her except for potty breaks and am hopeful she will be better by Monday, if not to the vet she goes for x-rays. She is a wonderful baby and it just hurts my heart when she yelps out in pain!!!
I suspect one of these "chunks of lead" bullies butted into her, but she's always trying to "herd them" which is not a wise thing for her to do.
I hope you are enjoying your weekend. It's chilly here and my Angel Trumpets are loaded with blooms, the fragrance is brought into the house via the whole house attic fan and it is wonderful, most of them smell like a mixture of musk and baby powder.
Things going wrong, besides Melanie, we have no hot water and the washing machine is making a crazy noise. Bob is expecting me to trouble shoot all three issues. He said cause I'm good at it. lol lol
Be kind to yourself, so you'll have the strength to be kind to others. - Judy
"Wild Critters", Friday - October 2, 2009 9:00 PM
Lawdy most people don't know how to raise children or domestic animals without them becoming vicious, so it's no wonder wild critters get out of control. To be honest if it were up to me I would ban importation, raising and selling of all wild critters.
Years ago I had a friend who owned a larger monkey, which species I do not know ... she was very strict with it and it was wonderful, but we've lost touch so I don't know if he "turned against" her or not. He loved to simply walk into a neighbor's house, take a shower with baking flour, hug up another neighbor's dog, etc. His favorite trick was to escape, climb a tree and squeal like he was afraid to come down. Unexpected people walking by, she lived near a college campus, would hurriedly call the fire department to get him out of the tree. At first they would come out with a hook and ladder, the fool monkey would hug up the fireman like he was a long lost friend and give kisses, but it didn't take long for the fire department to start giving out the owners telephone number to the person calling.
Y'all, I can handle just so much .... I found my cup runneth over. I decided the male rescue was missing his male owner and hadn't gotten any attention since he died, probably just kept in a crate. You would not believe the emotional impact on some dogs if there is a really strong bond with their owner and they are separated. I also believe they can sense sickness and death. So Jacko was placed with a big, big truck driving man who wanted a companion for home and road trips plus a guard-dog, if possible. There was an immediate bonding so it's going to work out just fine. I demostrated my "Rebel Yell/Demon From Downunder Thunder" just in case it was needed.
Have a good weekend and remember to hug those you love. - Judy
PS Check this out, ex-president was attacked by his Maltese
I'd like to place a bet that Chirac wasn't home much, so this Maltese, was leary of him being around "his Mama". A stranger woke him up and he attacked thinking his Mama was in danger. Maltese are extremely intellegent loving protective dogs. Several years ago, I cared for a litter of 6 and potty trained all 6 in a week, for a local breeder who had bypass surgery. Not my kind of dog but the violent/attack thing is not typical of the breed.
"Angel's Trumpet Blooms", Thursday - October 1, 2009 9:00 PM
We've had a little cold snap a couple of weeks back so all the Angel's Trumpets got busy producing buds. Now it's a matter of holding our breath in hopes that the temperatures will remain above freezing long enough for them to all bloom. Meanwhile, here are a couple in "full flush". I have a couple with limbs pulled so low that the blooms are resting on the ground.
Amber Rose
She will winter over for me outside (zone 7) if cut to the ground and mulched heavily.
Rosamond Seedling, Looks Just Like Her Mama
The blooms open white, then slowly turn to a deep velvet, mauve rose color
She is loaded with blooms and I took this picture so you could see the color changes. We dig her up to winter over inside.
Day Dreams, Double Pink
She has just opened as a light pink and will darken up in a couple of days.
Beautiful but she has been a challenge for me to get to bloom. After two years she bloomed but they were deformed. I've had two plants for 4 years now and finally she is putting on a wonderful show. In our zone 7 she must be dug up and wintered over inside. (stripped of all but the crown leaves and kept at a temperature just above freezing so she can go dormant.
I wonder if the TN or MS Drug Enforcement would allow me to talk to the people they've busted who tend pot fields .... I don't want to grow pot but I sure would like to know how they keep the deer out of the fields and the fertilizer etc. formula they use. lol lol I bet I could grow some bodacious plants in my flower garden, if only I knew. Not that they are anything to sneeze at now. - Judy
"Prisoners raise puppies in jail", Tuesday - September 29, 2009 9:00 PM
Lawdy, the only plants I moved into the house tonight were the tender ones and the high $ ones. I would never pay big bucks for plants but I have been gifted with several philodendron which as "starter plant" are priced at $95-$227 so we hauled them into the house. My friend Mildred is excited to be getting "starter plants" from mine for zero dollars. lol lol Mildred is such a hard working, kind person and I feel honored to have her as "friend".
"Got To Get Ready For Fall", Monday - September 28, 2009 7:00 PM
My objective was to bring inside the tender plants this afternoon, but I made a big mistake. Bob wasn't here, he had a tire to blow out while going down the highway and ended up with half the little truck hanging balanced over a ditch. After three phone calls I finally found a wrecker to go pull it back on the road and haul it in to the small town about 5 miles up the road to a tire shop.
I said all that to say Chugss "had to go potty" so I took her outside on a lead. She pulled me with all her might all around the yard, wanting to get in the faces of the "strays that came to stay" and the "ditch puppies" which resulted in me not being able to walk without severe pain in my hips. If she hadn't been "fixed" I would swear she had raging hormones. She has not done this before so it might be the prednisone. Good news is she isn't limping so I'm hopeful the steroids (prednisone), massage therapy and being confined to a crate except for potty breaks for a couple of weeks will fix her up. I'm betting her limp is due to an injury and I was afraid to allow her to push off with her back legs the way she was doing when she was dragging me around the yard. Afraid she would re-injure herself. After much analysis of Jeb's medical records and emails from his owner, I came to the conclusion that that was what was happening to him.
I told Bob the plants would just have to die if it got too cold for them, because I was hurting too bad to walk much less deal with them. The temperature is suppose to go down to 45 F and that's borderline for many of the plants, especially the orchids. The tomato, peppers and cucumber plants will probably be toast tomorrow morning, but they aren't looking too good anyway due to all the rain we had, water logged and maybe rotting. We haven't had that much rain for that long in several years.
Plants in the Goldfish pool
Jeb & Boomer had to get in the middle of the picture taking.
Jeb
Get your steroid enhanced tongue back in your mouth.
He was injured as a pup and 3 vets wanted to put him down because he couldn't walk. I think the steroids caused his tongue to grow too much, but not only can he walk, he can chase the girls and dance, dance, dance.
Boomer
A 15 year old with a debilitating form of muscular dystrophy goes on the roll of his life with 11 of his friends who make it happen!!
"Silly Man", Saturday - September 26, 2009 6:30 AM
This silly man and I have so much fun!!!
"Brody", Saturday - September 26, 2009 6:30 AM
When we lived in Memphis, numerous people referred to me as the Pug Lady. We had 4 pugs which I took out walking on two dual leads. Many came and went through the house, rescues on their way to a new home, and occasionally one came to die. I have such vivid memories of one who had seizures. I had him on meds but unexpectedly he had a grand mal seizure that took him away. He died in my arms, while I sang "Sweet Chariots Coming To Take Us Away". It was too quick, nothing could be done, my only recourse was to love him through his dying.
A man called and told me a friend of his found a pug and they would like to bring it to me if that was alright. Young male pug just full of himself. I took out an ad in the Commercial Appeal saying "Pug Found" in an attempt to unite it with it's owner.
A woman who was and probably still is the official "Pug Rescue" person called and questioned by ability to reunite the pug with it's owner. Hello, woman what in the world gives you to right to question my competency. Like how much sense does it take!!!
At any rate the pug's owner called, I asked her a few questions and bingo, I knew good and well she was his owner. She had been out of town and her roommate had let the pug out to potty and forgot about him.
It wasn't hard to discern she was his owner ... I just asked her about his potty habits. You see Brody would circle a tree walking on two legs and then would take care of his business ... yes while walkin' on two legs. Craziest thing I'd ever seen. lol lol
"Chuggs", Friday - September 25, 2009 2:30 PM
Chuggs explores the pasture!
She's looking for her new friend, "Ruckus"...
She's so pretty! and curious...
"Aggressive Dogs", Friday - September 25, 2009 1:30 PM
In my lifetime I've taken in many aggressive dogs ... there was no option they were going under the gas/needle or whatever because they were out of control, BUT I'm too dang old for that crap NOW. They need a young Judy to match their disposition.
I took in a beautiful male last week. I always have the critters neutered so we don't have raging hormones to complicate every situation. I had been talking to his temporary owners, uncle died etc., for several weeks and never once did they tell me this sucker was mean as Hades. You've probably read about my gimpy leg and what you don't know is that it was the result of a rescue of a British Bulldog. He attacked his owner, Bob and me. Just so happened my skinny little leg was the right fit for his mouth so he about took my it off. They had to beat him off with a golf club, then take my skinny behind to the emergency room.
Oh my God never would I have thought a bulldog would have attacked like that. I did and would again put my life on the line. In 50 years of rescuing I had only been bitten once before and that was totally an accident. Big old female dog was after a smaller one, the fuss was over food. The big dog was chained in a person's backyard and stupid me went it to feed it. The little one was so hungry it entered the big one's space to grab some food, the big one lunged, got me by mistake but immedately let go. I forgot how many stitches, but there were many ... I never had hard feelings against the critters, only the owners who were half starving them.
Back to the male, he came at me like a demon from down under ... snapping, growling going to eat me up and spit me out. I just didn't need that BS. So I hunkered down, which was hard to do cause I was hurting so bad from the fall. I came back up with my own demon from down under impersonating ... scared the dickens out of the dog, he had met his match.
So you see why I wanted to slam those people up against a wall and maybe bring out the machete. Evidently they had promised their uncle that they would not have the dog put down, in order to inherit the rest of his estate ... so they palmed him off on me. He is NOT one of my babies, no relation whatsoever to my Bullies, so why am I involved in this situation, cause I'm a sucker.
Bob says I'm passionate about everything and that is why he loves me. Maybe I am ... so don't mess with the "little girl or her critters". He is now, one of MY critters and knows who is BOSS. - Judy
"Brody", Friday - September 25, 2009 10:30 AM
Flippin' a Brody, meaning doing a spin on the tailend of the car and spraying gravel. I have to tell you about a dog named Brody ... later today.lol lol
It's still raining but it's a light rain. I have found a "smell" which will make women go wild about their man. So very funny. I'm trying to figure out how to recreate it. Bob is totally encouraging me, he likes me being wild about him. He said once I figure it out he wants to sit in a tub of it, or at least rub it all over his body. Remember he's 72 and I'l 62. Lordy we have fun.lol lol
I got over being lied to about one of the rescues, edited my journal to remove slamming a person up against a wall, plus removed the mechete talkin' and we're moving forward. (This does not mean I don't have it in the back of my mind. I just can't help it. One of these days, I'm going to happen upon an abusive situation and go crazy. Someone will have to take care of the critters while Bob bails be out of jail, cause I'm sure to hurt someone.)
Have a wonderful weekend and be sure to hug the ones you love. - Judy
PS I'm not into drugs but I'm a firm believer in the restorative power of buttermilk. I can't stand the taste so I just held my breath and drank her down yesterday. I feel so much better today. Hey if the whole premise is just one of those psychological things ... so be it.
"Bob don't order anything to be delivered!!!", Thursday - September 24, 2009 4:30 PM
Meantime USPS has dilivered to the mailbox my "USED Book" God Bless Their Soul. I love the postal service.
"I'm Really Upset", Thursday - September 24, 2009 4:30 PM
Big Daddy hasn't returned from the Vet's. Oh God I love My Big Daddy. I go downstairs to see if the van is in the drive and he has just forgot to say "Hello". No van ... but there is a box delivered via UPS. It's a freebe from a wholesale animal supply house. So where was the driver when I flashed by without clothes??? Oh goodness I don't want to know, pray to God they keep it to themselves.
I called the vet's office and ask if Big Bob is there, all these folks know me, and they said he left 15 minutes or so ago. I explain we're getting old and I'm so protective. - Judy
"UPS Will Probably Never Attempt Another Delivery ", Thursday - September 24, 2009 3:00 PM
After the fall, my everything is hurting. It's tempting to take one of the predisone I got for one of the rescues I've taken in this week, but I hate drugs of any kind. So I'm trying to sleep off the pain .... then the dogs went crazy. I put on my socks and went downstairs. GRACIOUS there is a big UPS truck in the drive. I'm naked as a jaybird so I take a dive for the laundry room and come out wearing a BIG Bob t-shirt which covers all. By this time the UPS truck has hauled itself off.
Most likely UPS will refuse to attempt delivery again, which suits the dickens out of me. By the way the only thing that has been ordered is a USED book Bob bought for me, cause the author made me laugh out loud while reading another of his books recently. Goodness Gracious I do hope the driver didn't see me in all my "natural glory". Remember folks I'm 62 years old so the driver should not have gotten too excited. - Judy
"Memphis Police", Thursday - September 24, 2009 10:00 AM
On an early morning walk of the dogs, there was a human, male, laid out on the sidewalk, passed out or dead I didn't know which but there was a police car with two patrolmen. I went up to their car and asked if they could check on the man. Smartmouthed piece of something, said why don't you. I responded by saying I'll be glad to, just hand me your gun.
Needless to say that ended the conversation, he got his lazy behind out of the car which was parked maybe 30 feet from the man and took care of business. The male had evidently just passed out, so he got him on his way. At this point I'm losing all respect for the Memphis Police Department and this little Mama couldn't help but scream it out loud. I suppose the patrolmen in our area thought I was a "nothing" cause I always dressed down ... BUT I knew the High Sheriff on a personal basis and the Memphis Mafia owed me a big favor to be redeemed "upon request" and I wasn't above calling in all cards. Our area was not a ghetto, but if the police kept acting the way they were, it soon would be. After I got through making my calls, any time I called the police they were there within seconds. If you have a problem in your community STAND UP AND SHOUT!!! ..... Shortly thereafter we moved to the country, the critters and I needed more room to roam.
Jeebers! Don't let your pig come on my porch!
"Our Judgement Is So Colored", Wednesday - September 23, 2009 10:00 AM
Our Judgment Is So Colored .... by what we are, our values ... it dictates how we treat other people. Goodness Gracious we would be well advised to remember that people lie, cheat and deceive. My mind just naturally works on the "what I'm being told is truth".
I've taken in 2 rescues this week. Lord Have Mercy, I awoke to the realization that one's situation is not what I was told. I'm so upset ... been kicking myself in the heart for not realizing it sooner. - Judy
"Dumpsters Are Closed On Wednesday", Wednesday - September 22, 2009 6:45 AM
Dateline Memphis, several years ago ... then there was Harold who lived next door in the guesthouse that was built in anticipation of building a "grand ole home" or perhaps the grand ole home burned down centries before, no one living around there now remembers.
Bob was going on a business trip to CA for 3 weeks and was concerned about me being alone, why I don't know since I had Pearl, mama's littl girl. She would have gone through *** and high water to protect her Mama. He mentioned his trip to Harold, skinny old white man. and Chuck, chunky old white man, with a request that they keep an eye out for me. They were 60-70 drawing SSI disability. I don't ask questions as a general rule, so I don't know if it was mental disability or what. Once Chuck rang the door bell and when I went to answer he told me one of the pugs (I rescued and placed pugs) had bitten his finger. There wasn't any breakage of skin so I asked why he stuck his finger through the fence, he had no answer. So I responded by telling him not to put his finger, hand or other body parts through the fence and he wouldn't get bitten.
Lordy, talk about putting the bad boy in-charge of the classroom, Harold took the "protect Judy" task to heart. Everyone in the neighborhood was scare of Harold, exceptin' me. He was a seriously mentally ill person who argued with himself under the shade of the trees in the lot next door. People ask if I was afraid of him and I told them "no, I let him be", when he's actin up and we get along just fine. Back to Bob's trip ... so the afternoon before Bob left, Harold rigged up this security system. All I had to do was flip a switch and speak, my voice would be heard through the speakers into the little guesthouse. When tested I was sure it would scare the beejeebers out of the whole neighborhood it was so loud. lol
Not too long afterward for whatever reason the police were searching the guesthouse, swarming everywhere. When I ask them what was going on, they were really rude but Chuck came over to the house and said they were looking for Harold. Well I was still smarting from the rude "none of your business" harshness of the Memphis Police so when Harold rode by on a bicycle with a big grin on his face and waved in the middle of their search. I just giggled and waved back. Stupid police!!!
Chuck spent 3 days and nights on our screened in porch, sleeping on heavily cushioned porch furniture. I asked Bob if Chuck couldn't come into the house and sleep on the real couch, but he said "no". He figured if Chuck ever came into the house he would never leave. I had to admit he was right. So you see I've always taken in strays and they have never hurt me. - Judy
PS I do not advocate this way of living for others, the Good Lord put me on this earth to do his biding (save his fallen angeles) and therefore included upon my soul a gage upon which to register those with whom I come in contact with. There are evil people out there!!!! I'll tell you about those later. I've backed them off other people, and myself, by saying do you want a piece of this "dog", who was more than willing to take them on because they were a threat to kindness. My critters always knew "nastiness" in other people.
"Boy Howdy!!! This Is Making Me Sneeze", Tuesday - September 22, 2009 7:00 AM
"Flash Flood Watch : Through 9 am...showers and a few thunderstorms will continue ... All the rain is moving northeast at 35 mph. Hourly rainfall rates will generally be one quarter inch or less per hour with local amounts near three quarters of an inch per hour."
Rainfall on top of already saturated earth really is going to make the situation worse, "it'll be a long time dryin", especially since the forecast is a chance of precipitation 40% or more for the next 5 days.
Mud Puppy
Some of the critters absolutely do not want to take the chance of getting their toes in the mud " I think I can wait
until the rain is over" while
others are just Mud Puppies belting out "Get out of my way, I gotta go". lol lol Just like people, no two are the same. - Judy
PS GAIL CALL ME ABOUT CHUGS!!!
"Rain, Rain, Rain", Monday - September 21, 2009 2:00 PM
We're fine here, not sore yet but expect tomorrow will be the day, that means it's only muscle pain, BOY I'M LUCKY!!!!
Critters are getting "stir crazy" cause they can't spend time outside. I can assure you they don't want to spend time outside in the rain. lol
Gail, call me I'm getting worried about you since you all were doing all that driving in the storms and I was expecting your call on Saturday.
Everyone take care, run from people who cough or sneeze they may have Swine Flu. I think it's time we stood up and told people who were obviously sick to "GO HOME" regardless of where they are, if out in public. A few weeks ago we were at Kroger shopping and there was a teenager who obviously was too sick to be up and about, it was all I could do to not take his Mother to task. Instead, I isolated him by diverting people from getting near him. Very loudly I said to people who were headed his way that the kid was "SICK: coughing really hard and red faced probably from a fever. Those were some of the signs of Swine Flu". I wish I was more like a friend of mine, she can tell someone where to get off, so nice and easy, that it takes a week before they realize what she actually meant, then the impact is enormous. - Judy
"Flooding", Sunday - September 20, 2009 7:50 PM
I haven't been out and about, but I can assure you that the low areas are flooded with rivers and creeks out of their banks. It's been so wet here that algae is growing on the parts of the wraparound porches about 2 feet in and all over the boardwalk out to the exercise pens and vegetable pots. The back porch is the worse, slick as can be from the critters tracking in mud. I keep washing it down and laid down dog sheets to absorb the moisture, mud etc.
So now to the rest of the story, I had on my garden muck shoes and thought I had
a pretty good grip on everything, unfortunately as I stepped from the boardwalk
onto the porch where my plants are in the process of being nurtured, my feet
flew out from under me and I hit hard flat out on my back with my head hitting
hard. (Dang ole bad foot/leg has no flexibility for recovery in a situation like
that.) So there I laid, afraid to move and knowing I was going to have to have
help getting upright. I waited until Bob was within hollering distance, he was
walking the critters, and call to him that I needed help. Laying flat out in the
middle of my plants he couldn't see me. He kept calling where are you. Oh well
it's funny now and all is well, no broken bones or sprained anything. I just
probably will not be able to walk for a few days, due to sore muscles, once the
shock wears off.
I've got to hurry to get the "must dos" done before that time comes ... it's kinda like knowing you're about to come down with the flu, you run to the grocery for juice, chicken soup, aspirin and such before it pops you good. Take care - Judy
PS The roly poly bugs (pill bugs) are crawling up from the soil into plants because the plants are in the process of decaying, I think. Turkey buzzards can be seen in fields because insects and worms are surfacing due to the flooding (saw this Thursday but didn't have my camera). The first time I saw a Turkey Buzzard I thought, "what ugly chickens", later I learned they were Buzzards. lol lol My seed pods are rotting before my eyes from being too wet for too long and buds are falling off all the plants. Tiny acorns litter the ground, how sad they didn't mature to provide the wild critters winter forage. Gracious, the only positive thing is the ponds, lakes, water basins and streams are being replenished. - Judy
"Food", Saturday - September 19, 2009 2:40 PM
Jeb saw the advertisement for the children's film "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" and really got excited. He said it was cloudy and he remembered the time I chunked food out the back door to the critters, ticked because Big Bob said the refrigerator was too crowded. He barked to go out and once off the porch turned around and waited for food to fly. You know I had to toss him pieces of cheese and hot dogs cause he was just so darn CUTE!!!!
(This is not a true story, just a bit of fantasy to make you laugh. A dog doesn't react to an advertisement. I had a person call me thinking it was real. However I'm sure Jeb does remember me tossing food out the back door, he had so much fun. Occasionally he'll stop and turn toward the house with anticipation and I do indulge him at times by tossing a handful of treats. You have only to look at him to see that he has been indulged too much. I now call him "Hardheaded Fat Boy" lol lol We do have fun.)
"Checkmate", Saturday - September 19, 2009 9:33 AM
Obama checkmated?? Just maybe, Russia's Putin is related to Chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time. (In the West he is regarded as a symbol of opposition to Putin.) - Judy
"Electricity Went Out", Saturday - September 19, 2009 5:45 AM
Can you imagine being in the shower when the electricity goes off leaving the house in pitch black. Bob was asleep so I had to yell loud enough to wake him up so that he could get the lantern and come light my way back to the bedroom. Goodness!!! It was off for 3-4 hours. Fortunately it was nighttime, the chores were complete, the temperature was around 70 F and I was headed for bed anyway.
I'm sick of this rain but we've got more in the forecast, plus flood warnings. We need boots to walk out into the yard as it is, so I hope the rain stops soon. - Judy
PS We have a visiting Bully girl ... Jeb of course wants to get too friendly, she just looks at him like he is an alien. Cherry Cookie is trying to teach her to growl and snap at unwanted male attention, but Chugs thinks Cherry is a little extreme.
Just a thought - "I pledge to sneeze on my sleeve" so I need a sleeve guard. How about a big green handkerchief I somehow slip over my arm regardless of what else I'm wearing that has either elastic or Velcro to secure. Don't want to soil your expensive attire, attach a "green sleeve". What happened to the hankie tucked up the sleeve of an outfit. Oh mercy my mind does get to goin' this early in the morning, probably cause I'm sneezin'.
"Dang Deer", Friday - September 18, 2009 9:00 PM
Well so goes my theory about deer not eating tomato leaves and stems. They waited until the tomatoes, all about the size of the biggest coffee mugs you have ever seen, started to ripen, then they attacked. Poor Bob was so disheartened. They nibbled at first, then told all their friends they knew a great salad bar. The herd came back wipping out lilies, roses, hibiscus and tomatoes.
When we went to the big city we had a option of buying bullets or liquid fence which some people swear by. We bought the liquid fence and it's been raining ever since. The deer don't mind getting wet as long as they have salad for dinner.
I'm going back for bullets. - Judy
"Stormy Day", Friday - September 18, 2009 9:30 AM
There are hundreds of buds on the plants but standing out in the rain trying to take pictures to post was a little insane, even for me.
Rose
Please note, the deer stripped this poor bush as far up as they could reach, but she refused to back off on the blooming.
Praying Mantis - Hanging Upside Down
This little critter scared the bejebbers out of me this morning. I laid my hand right on him while attempting to pull the Hibiscus bloom lower so I could take the picture. I immediately asked Big Bob to kill the grasshopper and take the picture, he's taller. He told me it was a Mantis which we do not kill cause they eat other insects.
Devil's Trumpet (Datura)
Poor water logged plants.
Hibiscus - Double Rose of Sharon (Althea)
Does not produce seeds, therefore a tidy plant which blooms all summer.
Do you ever get that way??? I'm dealing with some pretty heavy situations that I'll tell you all about later after they are resolved. Don't worry about Bob and I, we're fine and still in love after all these years.
I guess I'll have to tell you one of my stories .... when I worked for corporate America I put in one
heck of a lot of overtime. I had gotten home from work and was out walking two of the Bullies on one
of those dual leads. We're talking midtown eclectic neighborhood from three story houses which rented
rooms by the week to mansions, we were in the middle with a reasonable size house filled with critters.
First of all Mike, a young man who drew SSI and lived in a rundown guest house a couple of
doors down caught up with me and asked if he could borrow $5 saying he wanted it for cigarettes and a
six pack of beer. I told him sure, when I got back from the walk I'd give him the money. Then John may he
R.I.P. wanted to borrow $5, so OK. I swear his spirit "lives on" in Boomer (stray that came to stay), same eyes and they act just the same.
(Boomer tries to talk to me and at times the sounds are almost human. Boomer even came home stoned twice,
just like John. John was on SSI 'cause he did so many drugs he had a stroke and fried his brain permanently.)
On my return walk with the
critters, the wife of a man who was dying of cancer hailed me down and told me they didn't have any money
or food, so I told her to come sit on the porch while I rummaged through the freezer for meals I made ahead.
I had enough to finish up the month for them, again SSI, and gave her $5 for cigarettes. (None of these people
had telephones so I told them to give their families my number in case there was an emergency. From time to
time the families would call for updates or ask me to tell them to call "home".) All this time Bob
had been sitting on the screened front porch watchin', he had never experienced anything to compare.
Early the next Saturday morning, the door bell rang. Mike and John, plus two more "from the neighborhood, two street people who I helped to get enough odd jobs so that they could rent two rooms in one of the pay by the week houses" announced they had come to work off the debts they owed, not just the recent money I lent them but for my kindness to them. Gosh yall they worked all day in the yard and in the house and kept begging for more to do. Doesn't that prove both "what goes around comes around" and "reap what you sow". Yes indeed it does. - Judy
PS And then there was "George, The Can Man", wonderful, skinny, slightly hump-backed old man who went through trash cans looking for aluminum cans to cash in. He would find things he thought I might like (antiques) put out to the curb for trash pickup and bring them to me. We became friends when I started saving cans for him from work. When I had a good many I would meet him "over" the trash can at 5:30 AM ... taking him a cup of coffee and a bag full of cans, we would talk about his recent "doins" ... once he told me about a young female drug addict he had taken in.
"Blooms", Tuesday - September 15, 2009 9:30 AM
Double Apricot
Rosamond's Seedling
Rose
Doing better today, Thank The Good Lord!!! - Judy
"Hiccups", Saturday - September 12, 2009 9:05 PM
Hiccups are horrible ... I was in a restaurant when a case of hiccups hit me hard. The lady at the next table told me her son was prone to hiccups and she had found the solution to his ... mustard. I asked the waiter for a serving of mustard. I held my breath and downed a teaspoon full. Miracle upon miracle the hiccups STOPPED. Now I tote around these little packets of mustard that you can find at Sam's Club or other places who serve corndogs.
"Crazy Body Response To Meat", Saturday - September 12, 2009 7:40 PM
I'm sharing this story with you in hopes that I will prevent another person from going through what I have. I've been to three different doctors, no insurance so it cost me a bundle, trying to find out what in the world was going on with my body, I've had bouts of horrible pain in my joints to the point of having to crawl up the stairs to get to the bedroom. First of all I've never been a big meat eater, which was probably subconscious. At any rate I finally came across a website which explained "gouty arthritis" which is a body's negative reaction to protein. I limited my protein intake and I was amazed at the difference, much improved.
So I'm going along not eating every much protein, chicken twice a week kind of thing, when all of a sudden I cook Bob ground sirloin patties. Just like an addict I could not help myself, I ate 3 small bites of a patty. Later, in the middle of the night I woke up with the most gosh awful pain in my legs that ever was. I begged Bob to wake up and get me an Aleve, cause I couldn't stand the pain. Aleve is wonderful for most folks but not for me. I can't take any kind of pain reliever, NONE, they turn my digestive tract into cement. Couple that with the fact that I have this awful inherited problem of a small rectum and I've got a real problem. I've been operated on twice for this condition and believe me when I say never again!!! The last time it took almost 5 months to heal. (Elvis died on the throne and a acquaintance of mine died from a ruptured intestine ... so if you have this problem let that scare you like it does me.)
I'm religious about eating veggies and fruit, any and all kinds. It does not matter, if it's a vegetable or a fruit I'll eat it. I can drink wine for the pain, but if the digestive system is clogged up I'll upchuck, without warning, does not matter if it's water I've consumed or wine. Today I'm upchucking because I've drank a lot of water and wine ... head in a trash can when a woman calls about her Bully. She's in law school due to graduate next year and I tell her the vet has made a wrong diagnosis. She has an appointment for Monday at 3 PM I tell her to go in raising "The Devil" and if she needs the support to call me around 2 PM and I'll pump her up. I tell her I hope she will be a better lawyer that most in the system today, because I think very little of them. We talk about the wrongly convicted to which we totally agree. Convict and move on .... justice does not prevail, many defense lawyer pay little attention to their client's case, just collect the money. Serve on a jury, or go sit in your local criminal court and you will see what I mean.
A couple of years ago I happened to be in a court room, meeting a friend at the courthouse to sign some papers and I was extremely early, so I just sat down in a court room to "wile away time". There was an idiot lawyer assisted by a beautiful, flashy, sexy paralegal. I swear he was either demented, on drugs or drunk. His client was convicted of the crime .... dang I could have gotten his client off with just a little investigative work to prove where he was at the time of the burglary, but his lawyer was so mentally incompetent that he never thought of doing so. Even the victim testified that the accused did not DO IT!!! Lordy the victim was the one who gave the accussed a ride to the courthouse for his day in court. I was never so shocked in all my life. I was shaking my head thinking either this is "crazy white trash gone amoke" or the guy didn't do the crime.
So I'm still shaking my head over "the things people do" and decided going to bed was the right thing for me to do. - Judy
"Sucker Punched Boxer", Saturday - September 12, 2009 2:40 PM
I've been at odds with myself ever since the lady in Tupelo told me about the man who hit the horse with a baseball bat ... years ago there was a Boxer which was going to be "put down" because he was major aggressive, the owner made him that way by fighting and picking at him when he was young, but anyway ... he was beautiful and so very sweet until he went "bullistic". My friend John asked if he couldn't try to reform him, both owner and vet agreed to allow John to take ownership. What John did was the first time the boxer got aggressive he popped him full face with his fist, bout knocked out the boxer ... the boxer was NEVER aggressive after that. John's grandchildren were all over the boxer in the years after and never did he offer to bite anyone. So this story screws up my brain and makes me want to cry ... one sucker punch saved this dog's life ... but brutality to animals should not be allowed. I suppose if all humans were like John and knew when a sucker punch was NECESSARY this would be a better world.
I've rescued animals for 50 years or more. I take in the sick but I'm too dang old to take in the ones with behavior problems, they need the strength of youth, to match their attitude. IT'S HUMANS THAT MADE THEM WHAT THEY ARE and only a human can undo the damage. Gosh I've held out my hand to aggressive dogs and told them to bite it and die cause this was their last chance. I've cuddled with the most fierce of canine because they needed reassurance that a human was not going to beat them, but those days are over. And it makes me sad. - Judy
"Went to the Big City Today", Friday - September 11, 2009 9:40 PM
Gracious we went to the "big" city of Tupelo, MS for supplies today, mainly dog food. From our location we have a choice of going to Memphis (TN), Jackson (TN), Florence (AL) or Tupelo(MS) to a Sam's Club for a load of dog food. All are within equal driving distance. I feel more comfortable in Tupelo, folks seem more friendly, etc. Well I connected with three "gabbers" just wanting to interact with someone and there I was. You know if you really listen to "gabbers" you will learn some valuable lessons.
I don't ask questions as a general rule, so I don't know how their son, only child, was killed but a very nice couple on the dog food aisle told me all about the puppy who appeared on their doorsteps. The puppy helped to console their breaking hearts. They think the Good Lord sent the puppy and I am not one to challenge their belief. I hugged them both before taking leave and said I was sure the puppy was sent to the right people and if the belief that the puppy embodied their son's soul was a comfort to them, so be it.
The next person was a "rescuer" of animals, she saw our load of dog food and asked what kind of dogs we had. I had to tell her about all the critters, my favorite subject, and she told me about the rescues that had become permanent residence at her home. Seems the Sheriff's office recently arrested a man in their county who was hitting a horse with a baseball bat. He claimed he was trying to train it. I had to say the man should have had the baseball bat taken to him. I'm sorry if that offends you but .....
Once we got home we had to catch up on all the chores, now it is "downtime" and I'm going to bed. - Judy
"Good Lord She's An Odd One!!!", Thursday - September 10, 2009 4:30 PM
This is a photograph of the top of the antique "liqueur cabinet". The whole house is this way, stuffed
and crowded with "things". I told you all I was cleaning house and I am. I've got this box that Bob keeps taking down to Mildred's house. She calls it the comunity box, all are free to take what they want. I tell Bob to empty it on the table she has under her carport and come on back home, with the empty box. lol lol
Just now I called and the person answering the phone was an "unknown" so I told him Bob was on his way to dump anther box ... then I got to thinking about it ... called back and asked the young man if there was anything he needed or wanted to which he responded "I can't think of anything" so I said OK but if you think of something give me a call and hung up the phone. -Judy
"Casket Picture Hung", Wednesday - September 9, 2009 3:30 PM
Gosh I'm making progress ... I've found a frame for and hung on the wall Aunt Maggie's
Casket picture, taken April 1923. I know that sounds really weird but one day
I'll write a story about it. Also I've repaired the frame (nailed that sucker)
of my most prized possession, a print that is a reflection of my soul. Originally bought at a
Goodwill store, I've toted this print around with me for 40 some odd years and it's not worth 2 cents
but what a comfort it is to my soul.
I've started a box of "Mildred's Stuff", she can keep what she wants and pass along to another the rest. Mildred the embroidery hoops can be used to hold screen to sift your seeds.
I'm in the process of trying to find a frame for a reprint of a picture for Bob. It's a photograph of a gathering of Episcopalian priests, one of whom is his Grandfather, who raised him. The picture is undated but it's probably around the same time as Aunt Maggie's funeral.
"Fight For Dignity", Tuesday - September 8, 2009 1:30 PM
I believe these are the most powerful words in the world "fight for dignity", without dignity we are nothing. If we are enslaved by government support regardless if it's nature, we begin to lose our dignity.
"Addictive Veggies", Monday - September 7, 2009 10:30 PM
My friend, Mildred, has a BIG garden and has been supplying us with assorted veggies all summer. I've decided the Okra is addictive and Bob agrees. Microwave or fry it, it does not matter how you fix it, it's just plain wonderful.
Mildred remind me to send you pictures of a spring "seed sprouting" greenhouse made from hog wire panels, using heating cables beneath the flats for faster germination, we need for you to get at early start. Also in case I forget, please put those new daylilies behind your fence ... they are like candy to the dang deer, they will put your lily bed on their daily schedule ... dessert at Mildred's.
We are committed to a new PuppyGal feature aptly named "Round Here". I envision videos of such things as the "horse drawn" logging", Mildred's giant goose-necked pumpkins, wonderful fog enclosed swamps, lonely Fall lanes and much, much more. It should be lots of fun. - Judy
"Labor Day Holiday", Monday - September 7, 2009 4:30 PM
I had a long entry completed and was attempting to post it when my computer when into a snit and I ended up having to do a "hard shutdown" which resulted in the loss of the entry. I'm not in the mood to try to recreate it now, maybe later. It was just a wordy entry on our two week vegetable and fruit intake that began yesterday .... no bread, no meat .... we'll see if we stick to it or not. Jeb is excited he said he thought he saw some meat in the refrigerator so our change in routine must mean he gets the meat. Jeb you need to be on the same restrictions as us, you're getting too fat, even for a Bully. He says he still dreams of the day Bob made me mad about the refrigerator being too full so I started tossing food out the back door, where he happened to be. And he's still mad at Melanie getting some of the best stuff cause she's tallest. lol lol
Take care. I hope you have had a good weekend. - Judy
PS The website server went down this afternoon, came back up around 6 PM
"Awful Storm", Sunday - September 6, 2009 10:30 PM
We just had the most gosh awful storm pass through our area. Thunder and lightening like I hate to see and hear. All the critters hunkered down in their dens except for a couple of Bullies who could sleep through anything, just like Bob!!! She who must be obeyed (Fluffy) condescended to cuddle up with the "boys". lol lol When Bob went out onto the porch to check on them while "in the thick of things" she looked at him as if to say "they're scared, not me". She's such a brat!!!
"Doing Everything But Housework", Sunday - September 6, 2009 5:00 PM
Mercy this house is awful, I've been doing everything BUT cleaning on it. Played with the plants, moved the sprinklers around several times to water the complete "yard" area. Then I collected seeds, spread them out to dry on a tissue covered pie tin and bagged up others that were already dry. Next I went thru my bag of seeds to see what needs to be planted now in order to bloom next year and thought how hopeless it all will be unless I can keep the deer away. I figured out the deer haven't touched the tomato plants, Azalea, Angel's trumpets, Devil's Trumpets or cannas, so that gave me an idea. I know Tomato (vines and leaves) Azalea, Angel Trumpets and Devil Trumpets are poisonous to humans if ingested so maybe they are to deer also. If so next year I'll just plant a "fence" several layers deep of those around the garden area and hopefully it will keep the deer away from my lilies, iris and roses .... wishful thinking I'm sure.
I'm off to cook up a batch of chicken bits for dog treats, they love them. I get them on sale at a local market and figured out they are cheaper by far than dog biscuits, which I hate to use because I don't know what's in them. Remember the Chinese doggie treats that were tainted!! - Judy
Mr Cat asleep under the protection of a begonia on the back porch.
I had taken the begonia to my "potting, seeding, plant nurturing area on the south end of the back porch, to take cuttings whenever I "got around to it". (lol lol) Under it became Mr. Cat's favorite place to perch, sleep and watch what was going on. He's as bad as all the other critter in reference to not wanting to miss a treat or a chance to rub on my legs.
Japanese Morning Glories
They don't often "grow true to parent plant". These are somewhat deviant but beautiful nevertheless.
Devil's Trumpet (Datura) - Triple Yellow
Very Unusual seed pod.
The above is a "normal" seed pod.
Now for the abnormal pod
I found this to be interesting and thought you all might enjoy seeing the comparison.
"Working Away!!", Sunday - September 6, 2009 2:30 PM
I slept 11 hours straight, I surely needed it. Bob was up and working hard at 5:45 AM to keep the critters quiet so they wouldn't wake me up. How very sweet of him!! He knew I hadn't slept well the prior two nights and if I don't get my sleep, I not only get weird I get sick!!. He's just now laid down for a nap and I've got lots of work to do. - Judy
Pictures taken 9/06/09
I would never be able to explain to anyone the pressing demands the Bullies and the Rescues place on us. If I'm on the phone, they think I could be paying attention to them so they start acting up. Each is jealous of the attention we give to another critters, so they start demanding the same. The strays (dogs) have long ago staked out the northern part of the back porch as their territory and if one of the Bullies dare to invade there is grumbling. The cats have the front porch, we've blocked it off from all other critters, however they are welcome on the back porch ... the "stray dogs who have come to stay" say loud and clear "don't rub on me, cat!!!"
Melanie, rescue, thinks that since she is the largest of the critters that it is her duty to ensure all is "right". She'll get between critters when it's not necessary, just to let them know she will not put up with any "nonsense", like she's meaner that a ticked off Bully, I don't think so. They are however intimidated. They are confused in regard to her long pointed nose and big teeth .... "all the better to eat you with my dear". -- Doesn't this sound like a house full of children. Maybe we should do a reality show!!!
First one then another, then another must "go out". We can't let out more than two at a time because they start playing and forget it's "potty time". So when we are worn to a frazzle we escape for a few hours. Today was one of those days. I was being "short" with the critters because they were getting under foot when I was buzzing around trying to get chores completed. I said timeout I need a break. About 1 PM we hit the road, but no sense in wasting precious time, we multi-tasked while trying to have a "time out" ... how stupid is that. We should have just flopped down at Ruby Tuesdays for a chilled out late lunch.
After stopping for lunch and shopping for supplies we finally made it back home around 6 PM, tired but more relaxed than when we started. THEN the explosion of demands from the critters. Oh well we were in a better frame of mind and could handle the pressure better. - Judy
"Blooming Now", Friday - September 4, 2009 12:30 PM
Double/Triple Purple, Pictures taken 8/31/09
Purple Specks - Delightful Fragrance
"Computer Bit The Dust", Thursday - September 3, 2009 10:30
Just wanted everyone to know we're OK, just experienced computer problems ... more tomorrow. - Judy
"Got To Retire This Computer", Monday - August 31, 2009 Noon
Big Daddy is getting me a "bullhorn" for my birthday. He thinks my "demon from down under scream" combined with the bullhorn would scare the devil out of anyone messing around here. I can't understand stupid men coming out in the country, pulling over in a wooded area and start shooting at whatever moves. I think the next time I'm gonna call the Sherrif's Department and tell them it was attempted murder cause they are about to give me a heart attack. - Judy
"We've had the most wonderful weekend.", Sunday - August 30, 2009 7:00 PM
Gosh we've danced with the critters all over the porches, we turned the music up loud and boogied like we had good sense. Don't you just love it!!! I'm 62 years old and Big Daddy is 72. Did you ever think people our age would be boot scooting around 7 foot wide wrap around porches like fools. Well we did and loved every minute of it. Whew, I've got to go to bed now. I'm tired - Judy
"Wonderful Birthday!!!", Saturday - August 29, 2009 7:00 PM
I'm happy! Judy facilitates my happiness and I appreciate it so much.
The world is reeling with subversive leaders... the economy is limping along
under the control of neophytes... the weather is heading into global cooling...
and common sense has left us scratching our heads. But, I'm dancing to the
oldies on the wrap around porches with Judy because I'm as happy as I have ever been.
After extensive tests, my doctor says I'll live for a long, long time.
- Bob
"Crazy Screaming Woman In The South Part Of Hardemen County Tennessee", Thursday - August 27, 2009 8:00 PM
Lordy Have Mercy!!! I had taken a little nap and was on my way out the back door to tell Big Daddy I loved him, when gun shots pelted the air and made me crazy. They were right at our house ... so I went down on my haunches for a second, then sprang back up and started screaming, trust me you don't want to hear this scream. It's backed off street people and a couple of people intent on harm. I told them "no more guns, I was calling the law, they better kill me first cause I wasn't having them shoot their blankity, blanky guns this close to my house, scaring the devil out of my critters".
I don't have guns, well actually I do, but Lord knows I wouldn't shoot them. Harold who "stays" across the road at times is the only person I would trust to shoot a gun anywhere near me and I sincerely believe he would come tell me "what he was up to", therefore I'm certain it was NOT him.
Don't get me wrong, those deer have totally ticked me off and I would have been more than willing for someone to "take them out" .... they "could've" even had a soft seat on the porch while they waited for the deer to show themselves, but to be firing a gun that close to my house was inexcusable.
Whoever this person is, they've got me to "reckon with" ... therefore I told them so. - Judy
PS (Years Ago) Jamie didn't mean to kill that pig, she just wanted to scare it.. (My friend called me in a panic, seems their neighbor's pig kept getting in her yard and rooting up everything. So she decided to get her husband's gun and shoot above the pig's head to scare it off. Dang she killed the pig, shot it square in the temple. Her husband worked for mine so I told her to call Philip and ask that he come home and explain to the neighbor. As it turned out the neighbor was on the verge of taking it to a slaughter house to turn it into many winter meals, so there were no hard feelings, they just scooped it up and took it to a cold locker for overnight. BUT Jamie will never, ever shoot another gun. ....... AND I'm not going to be A DEAD PIG or have one of my critters get hurt.)
"We're OK", Thursday - August 27, 2009 5:00 PM
Just wanted you to know we're doing OK.
We went to the big city to get supplies. I saw one of those fuzzy, small, smashed faced dogs (Shih Tzu) along side the road not far from here and when we came back there were three of them right out in the middle of the road. I screamed out for Bob to stop the van, while I got out to get them out of the road. He and our van were the back bumper so that no vehicles could run over and kill them. They had gotten a potato chip bag and were running down the road with it. I can't tell you how mad I was. Evidently they were hungry, why else would they think a chip bag as a prize. What in the world were those dogs doing in the road, unattended, going to be smashed into the pavement before my very eyes. I was yelling and screaming at the dogs to get off the raod when they turned into a yard. There was a kid getting onto his bicycle. I asked him if they were his dogs and he said YES. I told him dogs were not supposed to be turned loose to be run over and killed. Good God Almighty a woman got out of her van still talking on her cell phone. I asked her if the dogs belonged to her and she said YES. I proceeded to "rip her a new one", if you know what I mean. I told this stupid woman that people came along this two lane road 60 miles an hour. She responded some incomprehensible something, about her cousin did that and she was "right there" as in the van so it was OK that they were in the road. Fortunately I calmed down enough to remember that she was stupid and dogs were after all animals, therefore I should not attack her!!! The only thing I regret is that I didn't tell her ... maybe you were bred a little too close to home. - Judy
"Uncle!!", Tuesday - August 25, 2009 2:30 PM
Lord Have Mercy, I went into a full blown asthma attack, so I'll put the dust rag down for the day. I had to get myself into a cool room and inhale steroids. Hopefully, I'll get back on the job early tomorrow while it's still cool. - Judy
PS The situation with Kate reminded me of the time my sister came to visit, uninvited. I had Pearl (Pearl, Pearl mama's little girl) out to potty when she drove up. Pearl was about the age Kate is now and she had had a stroke but had slowly recovered most of her abilities. The only obvious problem was her head was cocked sideways, it was a little extreme I admit, but she loved her Mama Judy, Big Daddy and all the "babies". Almost the minute my sister got out of her car, she started asking why I didn't have her "put down". I told her, "Pearl is OK except for her head being turned to one side". She's a good, good girl". My sister then went off saying if I didn't have the "where with all" to put her down she sure did.
How dare she assume she knew what was best for Pearl. I had taken Pearl to the vet for evaluation and he lovingly agreed that I would know when or if she needed assistance to cross the "rainbow bridge". I've had no use for my heartless sister since.
"Working Like Crazy", Tuesday - August 25, 2009 2:00 PM
Puff, huff and huff, puff. To no avail, I tried to hire help to do a "spring cleaning" on the house and porches, so today I decided to "get her done" even if it kills me. Please do not expect to hear from me for a few days.
Maybe when they asked if I had a good vacuum cleaner, I should not have responded "I've got some great shovels. We need to shovel it out, then vacuum". Perhaps I should not have started out with "you've never seen such a dirty house, but the difference you will make in just a few days will make you proud". (My attempt at humor)
Whatever, after today is over, I'm sure I'll be in bed sick for several days, but at least I will not have had to listen to anyone telling me the obvious ... Melanie with her heavy coat of hair should not be in the house, the Bullies are tracking in dust and dirt faster than I can clean it or that I have too much stuff sitting around to dust. These things I already know and I don't need to pay someone $10 per hour to make disparaging remarks. All I wanted was someone to keep their mouth shut and help me clean up the mess the critters made, maybe Bob & I should be added to the "mess makers" also, not all is the fault of the critters. - Judy
"I'm Sad And Will Be For Awhile", Monday - August 24, 2009 8:00 PM
Kate barks every 30 minutes or so day and night because she is so restless. She wants a drink, wants to tinkle, wants loving .... she doesn't want to die.
Like all of us will be at some point, she is clinging to life and doesn't understand that her time is
growing near, her body is worn out, her organs are failing.
We hug her up and love on her. We take her out although she's just been out.
She's gotten to the point she's a tad disorientated at times and very much disorientated
at other times. I begin to think it's time to "help her across the "rainbow bridge" but when
I try the true test of "Kate give me a kiss" she extends her face toward mine. Only those of you who have gone through this know the emotional toil that is extracted from our beings ... we love our "babies", young or old.
The picture is of Bob, Kate's beloved Big Daddy, having gently picked her up then loaded her in the wagon to take her to an outside dog run for a few minutes so she can do her business and bask in the early morning sun. Give your Big Daddy a kiss Kate ... Kate says, I love my Big Daddy. - Judy
"Blooms", Sunday - August 23, 2009 4:00 PM
Different - Variety
Japanese Morning Glories - More pictures same plants
I can't abide an aggressive animal of any type, all here have to get along ... funny story ... Jeb who was neutered at 6 months decided to breed Mr. Cat today. I ran to the rescue and scolded Jeb big time. Jeb is 6 years old and I think he's going senile. lol lol I hope the incident didn't warp Mr. Cat's outlook toward the other critters, but I'm sure he will stay away from Jeb in the future.
The dang deer are eating up all my lillies, hardy hibiscus seedlings, roses, etc. I declared war on them today. I put down a fertilizer which is suppose to deter them from wanting a lily salad. The "ditch puppies", pulled out of a cave in a ditch by BigDaddy, bark to let me know the deer are munching but the "strays" have decided they are not worth the chase. I suppose they are getting too old. Dang, ditch puppy alerted us to the fact that there were 4 deer eating the roses.
Oops there goes the barking again .... later - Judy
"Long Day", Friday - August 21, 2009 9:00 PM
Thunderstorms from about 4 'til 8 AM. 3 of the Bullies were barking to come get in the bed with us. Melanie, poor baby, is so afraid of the storms that she had to be put in a covered crate and given 2 Equate Chlortabs, antihistamine, to knock off the edge. After the storms had passed we made a trip to Corinth, MS for supplies and a little time out .... for just the two of us.
Since I was having to "lay low" due of the spider bite, I did a lot of day dreaming about plants and puppies. Lol lol, like I need to create more work for us.
Have a wonderful weekend!!!! - Judy
"Mid-Night", Thursday - August 20, 2009 11:44 PM
I got bit by some insect most likely a spider so I've been laying low. The dern bite is as big as a silver dollar and I have a curious red whelp extending out from it, which was kinda scary. Strange part is I don't know when it bit me I just woke up early Wednesday morning with it hurting and itching, which would lead one to think I was in bed with a spider. lol lol
I should be back to normal by in the morning. - Judy
2008 Garden Pictures - Angel's Trumpets
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