~Hotash~

It's just a little add on....

2011-11-23T16:36:00.001-08:00

It's just a little add on...., originally uploaded by Hotash.

It's just a little add on....

Ye watermelon pickle

2011-10-31T03:17:00.001-07:00

Ye watermelon pickle, originally uploaded by Hotash.

Ye watermelon pickle

Don't touch me

2011-10-31T03:06:00.001-07:00

Don't touch me, originally uploaded by Hotash.

Don't touch me

Float

2011-10-06T15:30:00.001-07:00

Float, originally uploaded by Hotash.

Float

Oh look!!

2011-06-13T22:48:00.000-07:00

It's not a cat :)

Just my drive home earlier this morning.
I wonder what tomorrow will dawn...

I thought I'd copy another and admit I'm fat. Yup, fat.

I made a solid decision to actually care about this on May 30th.

My starting weight....no shit, 180lbs.
My goal weight = 140lbs
By the day I turn 40 (November)

So far, I'm on the right track, eating a low carbohydrate diet and my energy level is such that I'm getting things done and in turn putting in some good exercise me style. Wish me well.

We currently have 15 little kittens poking around the house that I have either bottle fed for the past month or so or kittens that were very sick and are now getting better. 10 of them are on track for spay/neuter in the next 2 weeks baring all goes well. 2 are tiny little things...with HUGE personalities. The other 3 are hissy little things with more work to go.

& you thought there would actually be no mention of cats!!!!
HA

Tools I'm using to help me keep on track

http://fitday.com/
to count my calories and track my carbs
bonus = tracks weight goal & % of daily requirements & it's FREE

BMR calculator to help determine my calories per day
http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/

Atkins outline - note - I am not following this to the tee, but rather using this as a guideline for recipes/food ideas.
http://www.atkins.com/Homepage.aspx

& more importantly, this was a very informative read for me
http://www.second-opinions.co.uk/fat-not-protein.html

at any rate....
I am down 8 lbs from initial weigh in, super clear, very energetic & not hungry at all!!!
Zero cravings

Todays weight: 172lbs

Welcome to the 1st Annual Pawfest 2011

2011-03-13T20:57:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the 1st Annual Pawfest 2011, originally uploaded by AVAnimalRescue.

Pawfest 2011 - 1st annual fundraiser

Time
Saturday, April 2 · 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Location
Anderson Valley Brewing Company
17700 Boonville Road
Boonville, CA

Created By
Anderson Valley Animal Rescue

More Info
Anderson Valley Animal Rescue is planning our first ever :) 1st annual fundraising event to raise funds for spay & neuter - yay!!!!

Save the date: 4.2.11

Keep up on the happenings: www.avanimalrescue.petfinder.org

Rainy nights

2010-10-28T03:57:00.001-07:00

Listening to kings of Leon...

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.4

My God Mydaus, did you have to invite her?????

2009-11-06T19:54:00.001-08:00

My God Mydaus, did you have to invite her?????, originally uploaded by Hotash.

This is the biggest feral cat!!!

He weighed in at a whopping 12 pounds of super bad ass MEAN!!!!

He got 'em whacked off today and the vet said a few funny things but they also said 'he's been around, broken canine but healthy...."

His size explains the size of the kittens we pulled out of this colony this year - they are teens and look like adults!

This was a rather eventful trapping

I set two traps, you know, two is better than one right?

Anyway, I check them around 2 hours later and we have a female that we have already trapped - she was pretty humble and split when I let her out.

I reset her trap and went about my business. A few hours later I head to pull the traps - it's 1:30am....

I am so excited that I'm having a party by myself when I pull up and see him in the trap - he was the goal.

So excited in fact that I start to move his trap and remember to look to my right and check the other trap....

OMG!!!!!
I have a SKUNK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My fist skunk and I am not ready to deal with this...or prepared.

I decide to move Mydaus (he didn't have a name at this time) and think on how to get this skunk out of the trap.

I end up using a piece of plywood (1/4 sheet or so) as a make shift shield and I ask the cute little skunk to please don't spray me, please don't spray me, please don't spay me....and she just watches me, showing a tiny bit of fear but no aggression.

I am able to place the wood between the cage opening and me and unlatch the cage and gently lift the escape door and back away slowly....

She moves out slowly and then disappears into the bushes - stink and all.

I am so relieved and I must admit I was scared - truly

But the joy of catching Mydaus....

That'll do
Mydaus
That'll do

pew
I can still smell that skunky
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mydaus

The Folds

2009-10-30T05:33:00.001-07:00

The Folds, originally uploaded by Hotash.

3 months old

these cats are dense little bundles of YAY!!!

Because I can't bare to take a photo of where she is now...

2009-09-29T00:28:00.001-07:00

Because I can't bare to take a photo of where she is now..., originally uploaded by Hotash.

For a cat that is as vocal and as aggressive as Big Kitty, one must wonder why she can not climb down from trees.

This is the 2nd time she has done this

The 1st was a couple of years ago, during a rainy period, she ends up in a tree, won't move forward or backward. Not so high that we couldn't reach her with a hose - the fall was not pretty, but she was unscathed

Right now, Big Kitty, all 7 years of her bad self, is seriously stuck up a 50+ ft tree, in the very top, hanging over a huge crevasse - putting her a good 100ft above ground

It also happens to have been extremely hot the past few days -

She has been stuck in the tree for 5 days (as of today) and 5 nights, no water, no food, over 100F....

Nothing (I have tried) will bring her down

I have calls in to a tree guy....don't think he can reach her where she is

I am left with nothing to do but wait...and it's horrible

This picture is the epitome of Big Kitty:
She was walking out onto an unstable branch, hanging over the rivers edge, after a huge flood.

I said "Big Kitty..." and before I could even get out the rest "be careful" she turns around and bitches me out.

I have no doubt she is uninjured
I know this cat, I know she will not come down (alive) on her own
I will eat my words (happily) if she does

I'm doing what I can
But figure a bit of virtual encouragement couldn't hurt her....

Big Key-Key
come down
I have tuna
& you have many more years ahead of you.....

UPDATE:
Day 5
Tree climber to be here after 7pm tonight
Sub-Q fluids on hand
Big Kitty limply hanging in crook of tree.......

I try calmness

ps
for all you who think that all cats come down....they don't
my vet (their own cat) had one up a tree for 15, that is right, 15 days before he became to weak, dehydrated to hang on....he has lived to tell the story though.

So, maybe, just maybe.....

Later that night....

-SIGH-

You just won't believe this story....

A tree climber, never met him before tonight, recommended by my vet, came to our house tonight around 8pm.

Now some of you may be saying "but it's dark at 8pm where you are" and you would be right. He assured me he knew what he was doing....

He carefully, after nearly falling into the crevasse, climbed the tree. All the way up to the swaying in the heavy wind that showed up today, top. I had made a 'tuna rag' for him to carry up, he instead rubbed it all over his gloves. She was meowing her head off at him all the way up.

He calmly sat in the area of her for a few minutes letting her sniff his gloves and talking to her.

Oh yeah, I was holding a flashlight from the ground, an awesome flashlight that The Man bought me for Christmas (I love this light) - that's all the light he had.

He was so far up we had to raise our voices to talk to each other - the whole time I'm hoping all goes well....

It did.

He gets a hold of her and she doesn't fight back at all.
He scoots down the tree and hands her off to me.
I take her and put her in a carrier, hug the guy I have never met, pay him a pittance and head back to the house to check on Big Kitty.

She is amazingly fine, dehydrated, but not to the point of illness.
I give her some Sub-Q fluids, she sat in my lap and purred (not normal) and then I had to head to work. She is safe at home, in her own room with a huge bowl of water.

I will re-evaluate her condition in the morning.

I am utterly amazed at her condition after 5 days of hanging in a tree top in 100F+ temps - amazing

As I knew, she is not injured
& she made no attempt, ever, to come down on her own - only to cry out for help.

I will tell you one thing
If this happens to you, find a 'tree guy' they have this love of climbing, truly
These are the guys who will help you

Special thanks to my caring vets office, Yokayo Vet Center, for going above and beyond and putting me in contact with 'their tree guy' - many of you may remember my little 'cheating on my vet' incident when I went to another vet and found out rather quickly that I was wrong....

I did not get a new photo of her tonight, but I will in later today
To show you how she looks just fine!

BUT

This is her cattidude about it all - seriously

Back in January....

2009-09-21T04:05:00.001-07:00

Back in January...., originally uploaded by Hotash.

I wrote a note
I wrapped it in plastic
I then twist tied it onto Jester's old collar
and put it on him

I did this because for well over a year Jester had been gaining weight - even though he never ate our house. One might find this odd. Even odder, he started being gone during the day - always returning at night to sleep in bed.

Then....
He would be gone overnight
Then...
For a day, & a night
Then....
A few days at a time

always coming home, never hurt, just fatter

Now, it's only fair to tell you that Jester never cared a big hoot about The Thank You's - they rather annoyed him and his peaceful fatness- always wanting to play or be close to him.

By April his utter dislike and total disregard for my foster work became apparent.
He would be gone for days-weeks at a time, only coming by to say hi and then off again, always coming when called, and always from the same way.

The note, was simple and just let the 'other one' know that when he was gone, he was safe at home and not to worry like I did. Needless to say, after a week or two with the note on, it had still not been read. I took the collar off and wished Jester well.

By May Jester quit coming home
I quit calling him
I miss him

In June, he came home early one morning when I arrived home from work, only to say hi, then leave again

Both Chris and I have seen him in the neighborhood but he has nothing to do with either of us or our dastardly new kitten bringing home ways.

I have no sense that he is anything but fine, happy & fine

We Folds 3

2009-09-01T16:29:00.001-07:00

We Folds 3, originally uploaded by Hotash.

The 3 newest members of the 'foster' program at our place

They are all so darn cute!!!
Woody, the brown tabby, has weaseled his way into my heart....
J-Lo is a loving, playful little gal who boldly goes where ever she wants to :)

Bryan, he likes to be his own man - both he and Woody have HUGE paws - I wonder how big they will grow to be?

More on the breed
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Fold

Rescue work continues....

2009-08-16T22:22:00.001-07:00

Woody, originally uploaded by Hotash.

Middle brother, Woody

3 tiny kittens dumped on the side of the road in 100F weather....

Gotta love people

These 3 were so covered in fleas that they appeared to be bleeding when I gave them a bath!!!!

Welcome home little ones, until you find your forever home, enjoy.

89 Chief/ADOPTED

2009-03-22T12:36:00.001-07:00

89 Chief/ADOPTED
Originally uploaded by MendocinoAnimalCare

YAY!!!!
Chief got a new home
We hope to get news back on how he is adjusting to a purr-fect cats life :)

Chief is such a nice boy, he loves to cuddle and loves a lap

For Inland adoption information call 707-467-6453
(Ukiah, Redwood Valley, Willits, Covelo, etc)

Ukiah Shelter → Visit us Today online!
298 Plant Road
Ukiah, CA 95482
707-463-4427
Directions

♥♥♥♥♥ SEARCH our LOST & FOUND pets ♥♥♥♥♥

Happy Birthday

2009-03-17T23:16:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday, originally uploaded by Hotash.

the babies are 6 months old!!!!

yay!!!

Meet Coaly

2009-03-17T13:51:00.001-07:00

Meet Coaly
Originally uploaded by Hotash

Coaly has been with us since early November 2008

What a LOVE bug!!!!

She loves to be rubbed with vigor, scratched behind the ears & petted all the way down her body.

Her left eye has a bit of a blocked tear duct - Dr. says she is fine, not contagious and will be good as new in no time.

If you want a lovely, happy kitty pal - we are sure Coaly would fill that spot (& your lap :)

For more information on Coaly or to adopt Coaly - Please contact - 707 467-6453

To see our other cats & dogs at the at the Ukiah Shelter → Visit us Today online!
298 Plant Road
Ukiah, CA 95482
707-463-4427
Directions

♥♥♥♥♥ SEARCH our LOST & FOUND pets ♥♥♥♥♥

Oh, looky Kiitos is famous :)

2009-03-05T19:05:00.001-08:00

Oh, looky Kiitos is famous :), originally uploaded by Hotash.

A photo of Kiitos that Feed This, Inc worked about into this awesome fun treat label :)

Thanks to the girls at Feed This, Inc
Thank you for using our lovely funny boy

The original

A day in the life of Marlee

2009-02-26T01:46:00.001-08:00

A day in the life of Marlee, originally uploaded by Hotash.

I am so angry with Marlee and was so sick to my stomach early this morning....

Literally sick to my stomach with fear and anger after Marlee attacked Asante on the back porch for no reason other than he was near her, her bed maybe???? you just never know with her.

I didn't realize just how deeply I would be affected by the mere thought of something happening to these guys....

I pulled her off of him, fearing the absolute worst ever....once he saw a free path he split, bushy tail and all into the dark morning (it's 4am)

I march Marlee into the house and toss her unceremoniously into her indoor kennel - these are the times you really wish she could hear you- I can't yell, which I would love to do, or it just freaks everyone else out.

I'm alone, can't find a flashlight to save my soul....I call Asante and he won't come, I'm trying to remain calm in my voice. I head out to the darkest side of the house where I last saw him bolt.

Rain and Cali run around to meet me and Asante takes them for another attack and races lickity-split up to the top of a tree!!! Now what???? He isn't budging, the little light I have can't tell me if he's bleeding or hurt and I can't believe I feel like I'm going to pass out from the mix of emotions, fear, anger....

I sit down and just wait - ok, I yelled at poor Rain and Cali first and made them go inside too. After about 15 minutes I coax him down and he lets me carry him inside.

I take him into the bathroom and we close the door. He is beyond frightened - flattening at every sound and shaking - I sit down and he walks around, he's not limping, I don't see any obvious blood.

He finally plops down and just lays on his side and sighs, starts licking himself and lets me touch him all about the body- shocking!!! he doesn't appear to have any outward wounds or injuries at all - if you would have seen/heard it you would be certain he was dead- no lie.

He was still just freaked out - understandably of course. I gave him a good look over and a tiny drop of Rescue Remedy and called The Man.

Marlee will have to start staying in her outdoor kennel again and be back on a leash at all times - she can not be trusted to not react like this again - I can't have this on my watch.

This is now the 2nd cat she has attacked, Big Kitty fueled her hatred toward cats by always attacking her so I can hardly blame Marlee but good God!

When we went to bed this morning Asante came directly with me, he laid down and fell fast asleep. Cali put herself on the bed and Asante woke up and almost had a heart attack! He calmed right down when he saw who it was though - these cats are smart, they know the difference between nice and mean - Kiitos already hisses and hides from Marlee but not the other two, so he obviously had a run in with her that I was not privy to.

-sigh-

Marlee is damn lucky to be living with us..... I don't know many other people who will tolerate this behavior - it's so very difficult to live with, but she does deserve life - I just wish it could be more peaceful for us all...

I would like to introduce to you...

2009-02-25T13:25:00.001-08:00

I would like to introduce to you...
Originally uploaded by Hotash

...the act you've know for the past few months...the one and only - The THANK YOUS!!!

@ 20 weeks and counting

They are all very curious and cautious of the great outdoors.
Kiitos is the most fierce of them all - he will stand his ground, yet is the 1st to get lost and howl at the top of his little kitty lungs for one of us to come rescue him.

One of the things that is most obvious these past few months is just how much their physical appearances are changing.

Kiitos has a huge fluffy tail and a dirty orange spot on his cheek.
Takk's black stripes on his nose have split in two and are receding.
Merci has the most beautiful peach color blush on chin and belly.
Asante, well he's just perfect- ask him.

I don't know what these guys are going to do come summer - they play so hard in the winter sun that they work up a pant!

Receding

2009-02-25T13:19:00.001-08:00

Receding, originally uploaded by Hotash.

yesterday (left) & today (right)
I plan on a shot a day until the river drops to normal.
This is not high water by any means...but it is good :)

bigger

the 2005 flood

those big trees in the middle...they are gone due to that flood

Day three
(photo coming)

Dog beds & hairballs - it should make you laugh

2009-02-18T19:55:00.001-08:00

it was just that kinda day

i'm home, sick with a massive head cold and a lot of cats, oh, and a camera.

don't mind the HUGE hairballs

Legion of Plague

2009-02-17T19:50:00.001-08:00

Legion of Plague - Feb 13th 2009 - Willits, CA, originally uploaded by Hotash.

Legion of Plague
Willits, CA
Feb. 13th, 2009

one of the guitar players is my best friend's son.

the group of 16, - 20 year olds rocked the community center with a head banging, guitar shredding, set of tunes that sent their fans into hysterics - AKA they rocked the house

See more

Welcome to my OpalineRays.etsy.com

2009-01-28T14:08:00.001-08:00

Blue Lapis heart II, originally uploaded by Hotash.

my OpalineRays (etsy.com) that I decided to start in memory of my late grandma, Opaline & inspired by my mommy , daddy , & baby brother

Just check out a couple of his pieces that he has made for me or found & given to me.

My daddy has always been a 'collector', well, for that matter so has my mommy.

I am having a blast making things - it's a nice calming outlet that I can combine with my love of photography.

I will be posting some images that I just love, or images that I need to make online orders with (cards, etc.)

Any feedback is greatly appreciated -
This is not a sales pitch - just an addition to my life :)

You can find more over at

https://www.opalinerays.etsy.com

After dinner treat

2009-01-03T14:19:00.001-08:00

After dinner treat, originally uploaded by Hotash.

thanks to Bramble

for those of you brave enough...

!st kitty to enjoy (graphic video) was Asante
then (another graphic video) Kiitos
& lastly (the last graphic video), Merci

To date, Mr. Taak remains uninterested in these gifts from Bramble.

More on the story:

she is a momma cat at heart.

Today, after playing with the kittens she quietly disappeared only to re-appear shortly with a fresh bird.

Which, she promptly dropped in front of Asante.
He hooked onto his new found 'play toy' and hissed & growled while she sat and then later laid down near him, watching.

Asante grew tired of the game and little Kiitos was soon on board - only not playing. He ate his fill, guarding it the whole time.

A bit later, May-May (Merci) was finishing up the bits that were left behind.

Some of you will remember that Bramble fed Mr. Peeps her mouse (well I did) - but what even I didn't know is just how purposeful her actions are.

On Saturday evening Bramble brought in a mouse and dropped it in her box - directly in front of Asante. She made no effort to retrieve it or stop him from taking it over.

Today I watched her give her bird to baby Asante and then I watched her calmly watch him explore the catch.

She is a hunting momma kitty - all "growed" [sic] up from her bad little self that my brother found in May.

The blues

2008-11-25T22:49:00.001-08:00

The blues, originally uploaded by Hotash.

Mr. Peeps meowed at the back door yesterday afternoon- too weak to push through the kitty door.

Chris let him out. He sat on the porch for awhile then headed off.
Chris had to go back to work....Mr. Peeps did not come home last night.

I have checked his spots around the house...and under the porches...down by the river...he has taken himself somewhere else.

In the past two weeks he has continued to weaken and not eat much and I knew his time was near this past week.

I have to admit that I feel very bad about not being with him...but I can assure you that he would not have wanted to be kept indoors and he was most content doing his own thing...it was probably best I was not there to bother his death process.

He will be greatly missed as he was a very friendly, loving kitty, who always wanted to be near you on his terms. His most amazing feat was his ability to jump from a sitting position directly in front of you, to your chest and then to your shoulders without ever once scratching you. He also loved to sleep on top of you, your highest spot was his perch.

Mr. Peeps was picked - scratch that - he picked us up at the local pound. He had been living there for well over 6 months. He had been left abandoned (along with another cat who I believe had been adopted) in an apartment. He came home with us back in 2005 and he was never happier than when we moved to the country house (aside from the ride there) where he could hunt and stay outside until he wanted to come in.

We will miss his happy voice around the house.

Texture by NinianLif

The ta-da-da-da chair

2008-11-22T03:00:00.001-08:00

The ta-da-da-da chair, originally uploaded by Hotash.

it's been with me since around the time that Volkswagon commercial aired on TV.

it was lovingly picked up off the sidewalk in downtown Lakeport, CA by
Auri's Daddy &
her Ukki.

It was in nice shape, a bit broke down, and an alarming maroon color but did not (unlike the commercial) stink.

When I was living alone and Rain had to be left home alone for LONG periods of time she lovingly chewed this chair to shreds-well the arms at any rate. I love this chair - I don't know why....

It now lives in the upstairs bedroom and the dogs all take turns sleeping in it-no one chews on it anymore....

until the little evil ones arrived.

OMG!!!

They are systematically de-stuffing this poor chair. They proudly carry around big chunks of cotton stuffing and growl at each other.

Everyday I wake up to a huge mess of stuffing and four happy little sleeping kittens piled next to or on top of me.

They look at me and yawn in their cute little kitten way so I can not be mad.

I mean really who can be?

Rain

2008-11-16T02:04:00.001-08:00

Rain, originally uploaded by Hotash.

she is 9 years old...or about 57 in her years
BUT
when the flippy flopper is out you wouldn't know she is a day older than puppy....

My November

2008-11-16T00:43:00.001-08:00

My November
Originally uploaded by Hotash

I got a 2% raise in pay but..
I got a 16% increase in medical cost.
I bought some new boots
I bought some new music
I got a cute little point & click Canon for my birthday
I got re-involved
&
I turned 37

----------------
Now playing: Chris Knox - The Pulse Below the Ear
via FoxyTunes

My most favorite place in the house!

2008-11-16T00:12:00.001-08:00

My most favorite place in the house!
Originally uploaded by Hotash

The BEST mattress in the world! Crafted to meet your body specs-very comfortable.
Shot inspired by: myrealityphotography.

Things I CAN NOT do without...
My Flobed

We are 8

2008-11-16T00:10:00.001-08:00

We are 8
Originally uploaded by Hotash

weeks old!!!!!!

we demand your full attention and all your love

another milestone reached.

at 8 weeks old the Thank You's are all eating a raw diet of ground fish, chicken & vegetables (hissy fit from Feed This, Inc,) mixed with water and rice cereal on occasion. They also get some yogurt here and there still. Today was the last day they got any kitten milk re-placer. By next week they will be on full raw without any problems. Asante already loves the quail ;)

They are all good about using the kitty litter box now.

We started sleeping upstairs again finally.....I missed my bed so much, the downstairs bed has nothing over my lovely FloBed!!! The first few nights I took the kitty box upstairs (it's two flights) and of course worried they would fall through the railing when playing. Turns out they have a healthy fear of the edge so all has been well. This week, no kitty box upstairs. When they wake up in the morning/day/night- so do I, and we all go downstairs for a box visit- it's working great.

The play skills they have are awesome- they run, jump, leap, roll, tumble, carry, and climb with ease. They can really follow an object well now and one of the most fun games they play is king of the scratching post...it's second only to "try and get me out of the kleenex box" - so far Merci is the queen of the kleenex box.

Bramble sleeps with them all and she eats with them too-she has really taken to playing with them nicely.

More on Bramble later....

Tea-toes kisses

2008-11-15T01:55:00.001-08:00

Tea-toes kisses
Originally uploaded by Hotash

he is a HUGE kisser, they all do this but Kiitos gets right in there and really loves me up.

Today they went outside...Kittos stayed right around my lap for a long time while he watched his big brothers tear it up, Merci stayed right with Kiitos in my lap- they know it's safe there.

Something to be THANKFUL for today

2008-10-22T00:46:00.001-07:00

Something to be THANKFUL for today
Originally uploaded by Hotash

The baby Thank You's are 1 month old and doing just awesome.

Asante is a hound for food. He has shared some cooked pork chop with me and he loves the baby food meats. Last night I was able to get him to lick out of a dish!!!

Merci gave it the ol' college try last night and she did a good job licking baby food meat off of my finger.

Takk & Kiitos still wish that disgusting smelly food finger would get the heck out of their face!

By this weekend I will be starting Asante on his forever diet - B.A.R.F

And in other news - AKA "the best news ever" - ALL four of them are successfully using the kitty box as of today.

I have had to keep a close eye on them even though they were using the box the past 4-5 days as they would 'forget' and just find a spot when they were playing. But as of today I feel very comfortable with them using the box without my direction. They all four nursed this afternoon then played and then each took themselves to the kitty box and went.

Oh happy day!!!!!

The Thank You's

2008-10-15T01:19:00.001-07:00

Kiitos & Asante
Originally uploaded by Hotash

The babies are nearly 30 days old.

They
-nurse without any effort
-walk
-are starting to run/walk
-ears open and mostly upright
-eyes fully open
-middle teeth cut through (between canines)
-canine buds starting to poke through
-tails swishing
-play with each other, biting, kicking, and bear hugs galore
-hissing at things that they don't recognize

and today-I'm not kidding you....after only 2 times in the kitty litter box, they ALL are digging holes and peeing!!!!!

They are growing up so fast!!!!

Kiitos stopped his antibiotics yesterday after 10 days...and if you were wondering....I didn't put the others on antibiotics- they are all doing really, really well. They will get their 2nd round of worm medicine on the 17th- then no more meds!

I have been feeding them:

Just Born kitten milk re-placer powder
Water
A splash of Pedialyte
Slippery Elm powder
Goat milk yogurt
1 tiny jar of 1st foods meats (finely ground meat & water)
Pinch of Vitamin B12/Folic
& Baby rice cereal

They are still nursing-it's a thicker mix now though.
Asante has been supplementing his nursing with licks of baby food off of my finger, Merci tried it, didn't like it and Takk & Kiitos would run away if they could....

Kiitos

2008-09-28T23:18:00.001-07:00

Kiitos
Originally uploaded by Hotash

it all started yesterday...his appetite dropped off and continued to wane until he had none.

by the time we got home around 230am he refused any food and was hot. Within an hour he was showing more signs of illness.

I took his temperature - it was 102.5F - high for his age (should be 96-100F) - he had thick, sticky saliva and was just too weak to do anything.

I started him on antibiotics and tried to get a tiny bit of Pedialyte into him- no go.

By 5am I was convinced his time was very near. He could not lift/hold his head up, his breathing was forced, his lips were blue and his feet were cold.

I diluted a drop of Rescue Remedy in some cool Pedialyte and put a drop in his mouth.

He was resting with me, away from everyone else in a warm spot in the bed. I told him I was sorry and just re-assured him it was ok. I turned him from side to side every 30 minutes or so to help with his breathing- he rested quietly, too weak to cry much. I would rub down his little nose to the top of his head and he would purr, we did this until I fell asleep.

I tried to sleep...hoping the antibiotics would give him a kick start back. At the next scheduled feeding he still wasn't able to nurse well, however he rooted and tried to nurse my finger- the fluid was just too much for him.

I took a tiny dropper and put some warm Pedialyte with a few drops of milk - he took about three (very small dropper) full droppers. Then refused anymore, pushing away and crying loudly. He is going to the bathroom ok and had been eating fine, if not possibly too much (which can be a problem).

This could be many things...but whatever it is, he's fighting it.

I gave him a second dose of antibiotics this afternoon and managed to give him 1ml of subcutaneous fluids -that was hard to do!!! He has nursed and taken Pedialyte milk 3 times today....it's 10pm and I'm here to say that Kiitos is a strong little boy- He pulled up from deaths door at 3am to crawling and nursing and over-all a bit better by 10.

...I'm exhausted to be honest...and it's time to feed and poo everyone again.

BUT, today we have hope...again.

Thank you mommy

2008-09-18T17:09:00.001-07:00

Thank you mommy
Originally uploaded by Hotash

My mom gets off of work in the early am, after the stores open up...I'm (hopefully) sleeping and 20 minutes from town, so----

A quick call to mommy late last night - "Mom, some jerk dumped 4 kittens in a garbage can, they are about a day old....can you do me a solid and pick up some things for me in the morning and bring them by the house?"

Mom - "sure, what?"

me - KMR, new bottles (the Nutkins bottle nipples are too big an opening) and a heating pad."

mom- "ok, I'll see you when I get off of work - I hope they do ok..."

I get off of work at 2am, head home, feed the four some kitty milk, Pedialyte and a bit of karo syrup, mixed with colostrum- all eat well and pee (with stimulation) and then curl up in the nest I made in a re-usable grocery bag, two hot water bottles and my jacket.

Their squeaking draws everyone into the kitchen- Marlee is sniffing and sniffing-Rain just wonders if there will be food involved and Cali is guarding Big Kitty.

I have not introduced the kittens to the cats- I want to keep them separate for awhile to help insure their health, as well as our kitties.

They wake me up around 8am (again) and they nurse the bottle well, two took some encouragement but soon, the ears were twitching and some serious nursing was going on- all peed again and back to bed we went-with a nice new heating pad and warm water bottle.

This afternoon, I wake up with screaming kittens, poop everywhere and sunshine.
Each kitten gets a thorough scrubbing and a full belly - Asante didn't eat as well, and had hiccups....he did pee and poo though, so maybe he just has an upset tummy.
All are sleeping in the basket that Bramble no longer needs- tonight will be a long night...work begins at 4pm

So far they are eating, pooping machines- If things keep going this way we may be ok. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and...thanking someone that it's my Friday- then 3 days off- because I'm getting no sleep!!!

The Thank YOU's

2008-09-18T01:02:00.001-07:00

The Thank YOU's
Originally uploaded by Hotash

Kitten #1 = Takk
Light Black & Gray Tabby - Male

Kitten #2 = Kiitos
Dark Black & White tabby - Male

Kitten #3 = Asante
Black w/White stripe on belly - Male

Kitten #4 = Merci
Very light Grey & White stripped - Female

All names mean THANK YOU in different languages

ps-sex is approximate :)

All four, less than three (3) day old kittens, came to be with us around 10pm September 17th while I was working.

They were found by a co-worker (whom I've never met before tonight) in a neighboring town. She went out to put her garbage out for garbage day. When she lifted the lid to her can she found someone had dumped all four kittens in her garbage can!!!!

She drove them the 30 minutes south to me at work where I have been bringing up their temperature with warm water bottles and a fuzzy jacket. They were all very cold when I took them over. It's 3 hours later....they are warm and all 4 have nursed some Pedialyte & kitten milk. I hope it is enough, soon enough....

Only time will tell.

Welcome to the herd you four.

A great big THANK YOU to the creep who dumped these babies.
I guess you weren't counting on people who cared....

"Um, now what?"

2008-09-16T20:11:00.001-07:00

"Um, now what?"
Originally uploaded by Hotash

Bramble was climbing away on the posts....I helped her all the way up...and then down again

Today we had a tiny bit of rain. It was fun to watch Bramble hop around trying to figure out what kept hitting her everywhere she went.

Even though my wood isn't stacked and nothing is covered...I'm ready for winter.

Rock my world little country girl

2008-09-11T22:49:00.001-07:00

My 1st try
Originally uploaded by Hotash

Well, I took my hand at flower arranging.
The judging happens in the morning....

Baby Blackberry Bramble

2008-09-06T17:14:00.001-07:00

Baby Blackberry Bramble
Originally uploaded by Hotash

she is getting so big!!

She is 4 months old now.
Has her new canine teeth but is still teething.

She also has a swollen lymph node on the left side (neck) and itchy ears.

After I wrangled her and wrapped her in a towel...
I took a look - she has Chiggers!!! - this is something we have dealt with in the other cats in the past. We haven't seen it in the past year, but maybe this year they are out and about again.

Temperature: 101.2 / 9.6.08.1520 = normal = good news

Bramble has been going on evening adventures with the other cats so who knows what else she'll bring home!!!

I hope this is all we are dealing with....

On top of More Mr. Peeps latest lab results... we could all due with NO MORE pet issues!!! for awhile at least....

Ocean

2008-08-31T13:04:00.001-07:00

Ocean
Originally uploaded by Hotash

A drive to the coast with a dear friend today...should bring lots of fun photos and more talk than any dude could ever take!

and the winners are...

2008-08-25T13:32:00.001-07:00

Silver bows = 1st place
Rainbow hearts = 1st & Best of show
Red bows = 2nd & 3rd

----------------

Listening to: Royksopp - What Else Is There?
via FoxyTunes
and the winners are..., originally uploaded by Hotash.

C.R.F

2008-08-18T21:26:00.001-07:00

----------------
Listening to: Björk - Desired Constellation
via FoxyTunes

C.R.F, originally uploaded by Hotash.

C-hronic
R-enal
F-ailure

That was the diagnosis on 8.13.08

BUN = 114 - normal range 15-34mg

Creatinine = 6.1 - normal range .8-2.3mg

Phosphorus = 10.2 - normal range 3.0-7.0mg

I took him to the vet because he has a tooth that has heavy tartar build up...I thought this may be why he was not eating as well the past few weeks. He is always sleeping and he has been slowing loosing weight....

We have started subcutaneous fluids at home, once a day he is giving 150ml, they are absorbed within an hour or two so he really does need the extra fluids. He takes this treatment really well considering. Today we did the treatment in the backyard where he was enjoying the warm sunshine after a very cool, overcast morning.

His health is overall really good in outward appearances. The vet thought he was only around 10yrs old, when in fact he is around 15-17years old.

I am slowly trying to figure out a diet that is low in protein but mostly low in phosphorus. His appetite is quite low...

He is currently eating his normal foods, just less and I have added canned pumpkin with salmon oil and 3 drops of Zeolites

My job is to make his trip out as comfortable as possible.

Here they are...

2008-07-24T23:31:00.001-07:00

Here they are..., originally uploaded by Hotash.

Well after putting it off until the last possible day...mostly, I have my pics picked and ready to go to the fair tomorrow.

It's been two years since I entered any shots into the fair.
I'm excited.
It's always fun...

Not to mention it means vacation is just around the corner for me...one more week!

Here are my 2006 winners :-)

----------------
Listening to: FemBots - Under the Bed
via FoxyTunes

Bramble vs. The Pond

2008-07-08T15:32:00.001-07:00

The sand pit, originally uploaded by Hotash.

Baby Bramble is pushing eight weeks old now...just barely old enough to wean from mom. In the meantime Chris and I have been playing parents, well the other cats and dogs are helping a lot too.

So the story starts back about three weeks ago, shortly after Bramble came to live with us. I go to the river with Chris' niece and take the dogs and carry Bramble down. The river is shallow and barely flowing everyone is having fun. Bramble is playing along the shore in an open space when all of a sudden a tiny rock is tossed down river....Cali and Rain race after it.

This triggers Bramble's "freak out' mode and she flees in the most open direction she can....straight out into the river! As the river deepens around her, reaches her tummy, then finally under her chin...she freezes in mid-motion, one front foot hovering over the water, the other three firmly planted. She quietly waits in this position to be rescued. So, she has all four feet good and wet, her belly is wet and her chin has some water on it, but she is safe-phew!

Some parents we are...there is a theme here.

So, along comes the afternoon the other day...all of us are in the garden, dogs, cats, and all- doing some sitting around and watering. Bramble is playing, hunting, and otherwise annoying everything, and I mean everything that moves....when along comes a bumble bee

I'm watering at this point, Chris is watching Bramble chase the bee, she does a fantastical back flip jump and lands on her side near the edge of the pond....gets up, shakes off and WOW! there's that bee!!! She leaps straight away at the buzzing thing...right into the pond!

She sinks...Chris takes off running, she surfaces fighting and scrambling, arms flailing around, just as Chris is reaching the pond, she pulls herself out the other side. She is soaked, for reals soaked. She is so heavy with water she can only slowly waddle away from the evil pit of darkness.

I catch up with her under the truck - She comes to me and I dry her off with a towel where she just laid there and was in bliss to be held and dried about the body. She promptly fell asleep under the garden chair- exhausted!

Chris says "well, at least we know she can get out on her own."
Then we all had a huge laugh as this is the stuff cartoons are made of...

She is currently hassling Cali for a sleeping spot very near her tail- you know in case it moves again. Cali is the only one who will put up with her long enough for her to calm to sleep.

And of course the cutest video ever...
Bramble as a turtle

----------------
Listening to: The Be Good Tanyas - A Little Blues
via FoxyTunes

Howl at the SUN

2008-07-03T14:26:00.001-07:00

Howl at the SUN, originally uploaded by Hotash.

The dry lightning fires that began on June 20th are slowly coming under control in Mendocino County.

Reports from:
June 23, 2008 5:30 pm
Mendicino Unit: Approx. 131 fires have been reported, buring more than 8,900 acres. Incident Command Team #4 has been assigned to this complex. The Orr Fire is 200 acres and has evacuations of the Orr Springs Resort and 50 homes in the area, the Navarro Fire is 1,400 acres and 5% contained, the Cherry fire is 50 acres and 50% contained, the Foster Fire is 50 acres and 50% contained, the Table Mtn. Fire is 1,000 acres and 5% contained, the Mallo Pass Fire is 800 acres, and the Juan Creek fires (2) are at 100 acres each. There are 8 additional fires at 30 acres each. The Mendocino Fire Information Number is (707) 972-3846.

To:
July 3, 2008, 11:00 am
Mendocino Lightning Complex Incident Information:
Last Updated:

Date/Time Started: June 20, 2008, 6:00 pm
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit
County: Mendocino County
Location: Throughout Mendocino County
Acres Burned: 37,970
Containment: 40% contained
Structures Threatened: 680 residence, 1 commerical
Structures Destroyed: 2 residence
Injuries: 15
Evacuations:

Evacuation “Warnings” remain in effect for:

• Community of Rockport
• Montgomery Woods/ Orr Springs Road to Running Springs Road
• Red Mountain Road - From the intersection of Red Mountain Road and Bell Springs Road to 13600 Red Mountain Road.
Bell Springs Road – From Hwy 101 to the intersection of Red Mountain Road.
and Bell Springs Road.
• The Community of Cummings
• Town of Leggett
• De Haven Creek and Howard Creek drainage, North of Westport.

Evacuation Centers:
(Placed on Standby)

Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg High School, 300 Dana Street, Fort Bragg.
Phone number: 707-813-0345.

Willits
Willits High School
299 North Main Street, Willits
Phone number: 707-486-8674.

Animal Evacuations:
Redwood Empire Fairgrounds, Ukiah
Phone number: 707-972-8340

Albion Headlands, Albion
650-322-1070

Mendocino Animal Care Shelter, Ukiah
707-272-4337
Cause: Lightning
Cooperating Agencies: CAL FIRE, Marin County, CDCR, CHP, CCC, Mendocino County Sherif, all local government FPD in Mendocino County, and State OES, BLM, BIA, NWS, private timber companies and consulting foresters/representatives.
Total Fire Personnel: 1,661 (994 CAL FIRE)
Fire crews: 33
Engines: 137
Helicopters 15
Dozers: 50
Water tenders: 60
Costs to date: $13.6 million
Conditions:

The Mendocino Lightning Complex currently consists of 123 fires burning in Mendocino County. There are currently 40 active fires.

GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping operations are being conducted throughout
Mendocino County. Residents may see low flying rotary aircraft for the purposes of
mapping fire perimeters.

Fixed wing and rotary aircraft continue to operate on the fires.

The Governor has declared Mendocino County a State of Emergency due to redwood timber loss and significant threat to life, residential, commercial and resource loss.

Road Closure:
There is the possibility of temporary road restrictions during planned fire operations in the Red Mountain Road, Bell Springs Road, and Blue Rock area,
approximately eight miles north of Laytonville.

CAL FIRE Incident Command Team #4 is assigned to this incident.

Phone Numbers:

707-467-6426 (Mendocino Lightning Series Fire Information)

All fire info found here

Breaking news
By ROB BURGESS The Daily Journal
Article Last Updated: 06/22/2008 07:51:03 PM PDT

Fires still burn across the county

As it rose over the eastern hills Sunday, the rising sun revealed the day-old haze covering the Ukiah Valley still held a tight grip over the county, as firefighters worked frantically to get a handle on the hundreds of fires raging across Northern California.

As Sunday evening progressed Cal Fire spokeswoman Tracy Boudreaux said they were still fighting some 90 fires in Mendocino County with some 60 of them unstaffed as yet.

The fires had by Sunday evening consumed some 3,800 acres.

Mandatory evacuations were issued in the areas of Running Springs Road, Flynn Creek and the Cherry Creek subdivision along Highway 162 in the north county.

Orr Fire, directly above Orr Hot Springs

"The smoke coming from these fires can be seen as far as Sonoma County," stated Tracy Boudreaux, Cal Fire information officer, in a release issued late Saturday night. "Firefighters continue to battle fires with the greatest threat to homes and property. Cal Fire has recieved well over 100 reports of fires in Mendocino County from lightning that occured over the past 24 hours. These fires are mostly in remote areas of the county with very little threat to communities. Homeowners who feel an immediate threat to their safety should use their best judgement and not wait to be told to evacuate."

For the rest of the article click
www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/ci_9665579
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Rob Burgess can be reached at udjrb@pacific.net.

BEFORE

AFTER

Meet Blackberry Bramble

2008-06-06T21:24:00.001-07:00

Meet Blackberry Bramble, originally uploaded by Hotash.

Yesterday morning my brother calls my cell phone leaving me a message that he had parked for lunch with his crew. They hadn't planned on stopping at the spot they ended up but as luck would have it they did.

Tucked away in the roadside blackberry bushes was one tiny, hungry, scared, flea and tick ridden, screaming black kitten.

He digs around in the bushes and gets the little thing, giving 'it' some fluids and waiting for me to call him back.

I wake up for work to two messages from him. The second says..."you really need to call me. We moved up the road a bit with our work and found the momma cat dead in the roadway-she's been here awhile."

I didn't even finish listening to the message. I called him and we arranged for him to bring what he determined to be a little girl by work while I rushed to the store for kitten milk replacer.

She spent all night being mauled at work by everyone and ate, endured a gentle flea bath and played until she couldn't keep her eyes open any longer.

Baby Bramble is doing well. Eats 4 times a day and despite a bit of dehydration and what appears to be a slight bow legged deformation of her rear legs, probably due to poor nutrition during pregnancy and since, she seems strong, healthy and full of piss and vinegar as my Grandma used to say.

She goes everywhere with us so far. She likes the car-it bounces her to sleep in her basket. The dogs are suspicious and curious- the kitties are keeping distance which is good until we make sure she is not sick with a cold or the likes.

Four years ago my brother brought home a tiny gray kitten who had a wound on her back and had been living out of a dumpster at a local restaurant near his house.

Five days ago we said goodbye to Douina..

You won't convince me that Douina didn't have something to do with Blackberry Bramble finding her way to my brother and then to us.

We'll take care of her Douina.

Goodbye Douina

2008-05-31T23:08:00.001-07:00

Douina's Day -1, originally uploaded by Hotash.

Douina - Female/4.5yrs
Born late 2003 - Came to live with us New Years Eve 2003

Left us May 31, 2008 after what was a short (obvious signs started Friday) bout of acute Congestive heart failure.

We believe she has been battling Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy for at least the past few months if not her entire life.

The first signs
Happiness is a warm...

Douina was found (by my brother) scrounging food from dumpsters behind a local eatery.

Douina will let you pet her only if you tell her "Douina, I'm going to pet you" - and then she will only put up with it for a few seconds. With that said you can go nowhere without her being there-

Occasionally she gets *lost* and will cry out until you tell her where you are and she comes running!

Douina & Rain today....

Special thanks goes to my good, dear friend Bev - the talk and the input on which way to turn - thanks
&
To my man - thank you for sitting with us until the end.

Happy Birthday

2008-05-25T01:35:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday, originally uploaded by Hotash.

05.25.1916

BELOVED
Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.
song of songs 8:6

Pastels in the Park

2008-05-19T21:18:00.001-07:00

Ukiah Natural Foods, originally uploaded by Hotash.

After agility class ( Well Mannered Mutts
707-463-3647 (DOGS)) with Cali we stopped by Pastels in the Park - it was too hot to do anything else!

The art is amazing - what a great crowd of people too.
I look forward to next years event, I only hope it won't be so hot.

Pastels in the Park sponsored by: Waldorf School of Mendocino County

----------------
Listening to: Modest Mouse - People As Places As People
via FoxyTunes

Lake Mendocino - Dam dog walk

2008-05-19T21:00:00.001-07:00

Lake Mendocino Island, originally uploaded by Hotash.

Well Cali and I went on the Dam dog walk on Sunday.
Cali and I had to catch up because we arrived late. We took the time to snap some photos.

It was HOT! and worked muscles I didn't know I had.
On the up hill Cali and I took our time ~smile~

It was fun, with proceeds going to the new LowGap Park

Sallie Palmer of Well Mannered Mutts puts on the Dam dog walk on Sunday mornings.

To join the fun please contact
Sallie Palmer of Well Mannered Mutts
707-463-3647 (DOGS)

Part of the pack

----------------
Listening to: Rebekah del Rio & The Section Quartet - The Star Spangled Banner
via FoxyTunes

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-10T21:28:00.001-07:00

Forget-MA-nots, originally uploaded by Hotash.

Today was a busy day.
Tomorrow is Mother's Day.

Watchdog Marlee

2008-04-07T23:23:00.001-07:00

Watchdog, originally uploaded by Hotash.

Her latest watchdog event is this...(which wasn't funny the 1st time it happened and I was home alone)

Every night when I head upstairs to bed I flip the stair lights on...well, the other night Marlee freaked out and started barking and ran to the back door and jumped up on the door looking out the window panes at god knows what...I stall a moment and listen...the other dogs are not reacting at all. I figure it must be a deaf moment for her and I have to lead her by the collar (rather quickly I might add - as one can never be too sure- she is after all a great watchdog) upstairs to bed.

The next night...the same exact thing, only she doesn't hit the back door and isn't quite as animated. I stop and really look this time. When I start to turn, I see movement in the back door window glass...and I realize that every single night, Marlee is the only one who sees the person in the back window!!! Me!!!

She has came to understand that nobody else is concerned with the person in the window, but she still looks and makes sure they don't come inside each night.

This is one of my fave shots of Marlee -for one she has all of her hair!! that means the thyroid medicine is working well, but mostly it's because the look is how I see Marlee happy - she enjoys many little things that others forget, like the scent of the wind.

Hope you enjoy the story :)

Happiness is a warm. . .

2008-03-08T02:00:00.001-08:00

Happiness is a warm. . ., originally uploaded by Hotash.

best friend.

Poor Douina is sick again...or maybe still? In January she had a strange bout of pain and lameness. The vet can't figure out what...probably her heart.

Things go along ok until about a week and a half ago...then one day Douina is sitting in her basket and her tongue is sticking out, she's hot and a bit of drooling. Of course it's late, no vets...so I get a cool wash cloth and wipe her face and she is really hot. I giver her some rescue remedy and hope for the best. The next day she seems fine, eating, drinking, all is well.

Until yesterday evening. I notice her tongue is sticking out again. I pick her up and she has drool and her chin is obviously swollen, not to mention the awful smell from her mouth. I realize she has an abscessed tooth. Once again, it's too late to call the vet.

By later on in the night she is no where to be found-very unlike her. Even when she was sick in January she was right in the living room with us. Well, we search and search and she finally appears in the house. I catch her and look inside her mouth. It's obviously infected and very nasty puss and blood drool is on her mouth and neck.

"What is she going to do to me?"

I clean her up a bit and have Chris mix up a warm water and sea salt mixture. I wrap her poor painful self up in a towel and take her into the bathroom, into the dry tub we sit. I take a baster of sorts and rinse out gobs of infection and pure nastiness from her mouth. I used a cool cloth to wipe her mouth up and then moved her basket into the bathroom with a big fresh bowl of clean cold water.

She wouldn't settle down and I don't want her running outside or hiding (before I can get her to vet in the am) so I talked Jester into hanging out with her in the bathroom. We all hung out for awhile, then I left and they are still quietly happy.

Douina has never cared for people much...she doesn't like to be touched by human hands and will spend great amounts of time 'cleaning you' off of her. I always feel so bad for her because she doesn't want to be loved on, but I respect that and leave her be...

I hope the vet can get us in tomorrow and at least get the tooth? that is abscessed out and maybe give us an idea what may be going wrong with Douina. She is still a young kitty...

The ever cautious Douina keeps an eye on me

The Famous Douina

Rock love

2008-03-07T22:25:00.001-08:00

Rock love, originally uploaded by Hotash.

The newest addition to the family...

Ok,
I have to introduce you all to Grandma Earlane

For the past many months, I mean many months, I have been receiving emails from this nice lady named Earlane. She sent me an awesome chocolate cake recipe, a sweet Holiday greeting and more. I just figured somewhere in the world we had an email contact in common and I ended up on her mailing list...

Then one day recently I opened my email and there was an email that said, "Hi Ann, happy birthday, we love you Grandma Earlane..." as blond as I am it took this email for me to realize that I had no idea who Grandma Earlane was and she did not know me!!!

So her granddaughter would not continue to think her grandma didn't write her or love her, I sent off a quick email to Grandma Earlane and explained I wasn't Ann, but I appreciated all the past emails, and of course wouldn't mind another Grandma...

She wrote me back!! Said "Oh no, I'm not taking you off my friends list, welcome to the family! Love Grandma Earlane" "ps- I live in MI and have a myspace page"

So I tell her I only use myspace for family and I have one other friend on myspace, but she is invited. The next day she tells me..."So, how do you know Josh? (the one friend) We know him and his sister" and "we used to live in in the same town years ago!"

Can you all believe this? A total accident how she ended up confusing her granddaughter's email address with mine (they both have the same word in them) and to find out we have a friend in common?

Meant to be I tell you, meant to be.

This rock...is also a new addition to the family...washed up in the Russian River below our house ;)

The fine art ot textures

2008-02-24T03:57:00.001-08:00

Wall Art, originally uploaded by Hotash.

I haven't taken any new photos in many, many days...
Here are some old re-works with special thanks to NinianLif for the beautiful texture.

I'm addicted for sure :)

"who me? mean?"

2008-02-23T21:57:00.001-08:00

"who me? mean?", originally uploaded by Hotash.

This is an September shot of Marlee.

She has been having a mean time of things the past two weeks-maybe it's because I haven't been spending enough time with her? I don't know.

She attacked Rain last week and Cali this morning.

The worst part is that Marlee, for the first time ever, (she's never even offered before) attacked Big Kitty!!!

She didn't injure any of them, but man, it sounded and looked awful and I worry- I do not trust Marlee.

We remain frustrated together...

Day Too Soon

2008-02-13T20:33:00.001-08:00

Day Too Soon, originally uploaded by Hotash.

A rework of an earlier shot and a Day too soon for Valentines Day :)

Good loving you all

Special thanks to NinianLif for the beautiful texture

For the love of Cerublu

2008-02-13T20:28:00.001-08:00

HI
Originally uploaded by Hotash

I love these booties so damn much
thank you cerublu
thank you so

Check out Cerublu

-her work,
-her art
&
-our love of her personalized creations can be found here

Please visit her on Flickr at
cerublu & don't miss her work at cerublu's Etsy

ENJOY

Float on okay

2008-02-07T16:22:00.001-08:00

Originally uploaded by Hotash

i'm finally able to say
Float on

1.2.08
"A Mendocino County corrections deputy killed himself Wednesday afternoon, the department's second suicide in less than a year.

Deputy Eric Gore, 38, apparently shot himself at 1:25 p.m. Wednesday as three officers entered his Ukiah apartment to check on his well-being, said Ukiah Police Chief Chris Dewey."
- Press Democrat

For Bev

2008-02-06T21:38:00.001-08:00

We miss you
Originally uploaded by Hotash

hi bev
i hope things are still heading forward. . .
i feel a trip to the cabin coming on

love
ember

ps - please check out a fine photographer and CHECK out her stallion photographs!!!!
they are so fine, they make me ache

Gnomes

2008-02-05T21:29:00.001-08:00

Gnomes
Originally uploaded by Hotash

hi lisa! - my other red-headed girlfriend
(we are on the same gnome line tonight)

so, i went for a visit last weekend with my bestest red-headed girlfriend (in the usa) and we had a blast.
nothing better than comfortable, true friends (& cold beer)

upon crawling into an open bed i had to find something to read. . .
in the kids room i found a book of gnomes.

the real story is that this very book was given to my daddy by my mommy way back in 1978. during one of my (many) moves over the years i was going to toss this. . .
my girlfriend saved it from the thoughtless tossing by me.
she was more than happy to return the book to me :0

i have to say that i have many, many fond memories of reading (mostly looking at the pictures) this story book when i was little. i have such happiness inside knowing that it was cared for by a loving friend during a time that i did not care.

thank you steph
♥♥♥♥ ♥♥♥♥ ♥♥♥♥
i am grateful
to have a friend as dear as you
♥♥♥♥ ♥♥♥♥ ♥♥♥♥

Seasons

2008-01-31T05:13:00.001-08:00

Seasons, originally uploaded by Hotash.

The Lonely Tree

this is a tree i have passed a million times in my life and a fellow friend cdpugh inspired me to photograph with his more than awesome shots of this tree
this is one of my fave faves of his

a lovely old buckeye tree
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=AECA

Another "crack in everything"

2008-01-30T01:02:00.001-08:00

Another "crack in everything"
Originally uploaded by Hotash

i mean come on!

this time the crack started on the drivers side and spread to the passenger side.
the window POPPED! shortly after i scraped off the snow & turned on the defroster. . .

who knew?

all this on the hot on the tail of a busted windshield last year

oh and the seat belt light keeps coming on even though i'm wearing the dang thing!

Coyote Moon

2008-01-21T23:16:00.001-08:00

Coyote Moon
Originally uploaded by Hotash

this is what greeted me early this morning when i woke for bathroom visit

nearly every night at least once a night we hear a small group of coyotes in the vineyard to the west of us across the river. they are so amazing to listen to -the dogs and cats all have a natural fear of them it seems. we have yet to see a coyote but i can assure you they are nearby :)
i'm curious about how many are living near and if the gathering yelp/barks/yips are a sign of kill or if it's a sign of gathering to commence on a hunt. . .
sometimes we hear them two times a night-i'm leaning toward a gathering call-once around early nightfall and once again around early morning

it's nice to open the upstairs door and listen to them right across the river-everyone is silent at the house while they do their thing. . .

Recall Notice

2008-01-21T23:13:00.001-08:00

Recall
Originally uploaded by Hotash

Important Notice About Your Konica Minolta Product

Posted: 09/10/2006

"Thank you for your support and patronage of Konica Minolta cameras.

It has come to our attention that a limited number of products, manufactured between October 2002 and March 2004, that incorporate a certain type of image sensor device (CCD) may exhibit the following:

When the product is used in camera mode, the LCD panel and/or electronic viewfinder exhibits either a distorted image or no image at all. We have determined that this only occurs in a limited number of devices, but may be accelerated if they are exposed to hot and humid environments.

From October 7, 2005 through March 31, 2008, Sony will repair free of charge, affected Konica-Minolta cameras exhibiting the above-mentioned problem where it is caused by the image sensor device. We will also cover the cost of shipping and handling from and to addresses within the United States and US Territories for service to correct this issue.

Follow the steps below to determine if your product may be affected by this issue and require service.

IMPORTANT: For information regarding the proposed settlement of a class-action lawsuit related to this issue, please visit ca.konicaminolta.com/ccdsettlement/ "

More info on the problem
&
a bit more

request ups pick up tag and fill out online request at Sony
esupport.sony.com/US/perl/news-item.pl?template_id=1&...

we went to use the old minolta the other day (during the high water storm) and well, it didn't work. after much wonder i decided to go online and try and find out if there was a problem-sure enough there is.
this camera gets very little use and had been sitting for a long while. the pictures and the lcd display were pink with varying lines. all other functions appeared to work, like sound etc. but the image was not there.

the whole return process appears to be painless. i shipped ours off last week-
i'll keep you posted

i know it's a bit late on the notice - but i figured maybe someone else may benefit :)

'Bitchy' Kitty

2008-01-21T23:08:00.001-08:00

'bitchy kitty'
Originally uploaded by Hotash

What can I say

She is a Siamese if I ever met one! Very, very vocal – always demanding everyone’s attention.

Her newest nick name
She gritched all the way to and from the river
I don't know why she even goes!
It utterly annoys her that we go to the river

She has a keen sense of fear it seems.

She meows and meows and will attack your legs if you (or a dog) gets too close to the river

She also does this when I set the smoke alarm off in the house. She is the only cat who will not leave the house. Instead she screeches at us and attacks our legs until we make it stop.

She is a really strange kitty.
Wants loving and then bites the crap out of you-lucky she usually gives you warning so you have an opportunity-but sometimes there is no warning.

ALL the dogs steer clear of her at all times
I’m certain jester has her to thank for his recent eye problem (that is finally starting to heal up after a bit of infection and a lot of work)

Big Kitty - Female
Born late 2002
Came to live with us around Christmas 2002

Big Kitty couldn't stay at the local homeless shelter with her family so she came to live with us (the first cat & queen of everything).

She is everywhere we are. . . Digging holes-can you believe that? Digging holes!

Bottom line. . .
Big Kitty is easily pissed off~but we love her :)

Squirrel news

2008-01-20T17:07:00.001-08:00

Mid morning snack
Originally uploaded by Hotash

the squirrels are doing well.
we see them all the time.
they are not easy to photograph though-often split as soon as they see us or the dogs

the only one i ever get a chance to photo is the littlest-he's the only one willing to acknowledge the 'squirrelly nutkin' call and he will hang out for a picture here and there.

they make regular trips across the bridge on a pretty specific schedule-everyday around 10/11am.

for the most part they stay next door in the neighbors yard and huge bayleaf trees.
but
the other morning they woke me up racing across the roof of the house again!!

we still put out fresh food for them a few times a week and they take it and move on. i think he looks a bit fat maybe?

oh, well-at least he's healthy in appearance. i see no rips or tears in his ears and no ticks either. also his coat looks thick and furry, no patches missing or obvious scratches-all good news.

they remain healthy afraid of people and dogs/cars, etc.-if they find mates this spring i will admit success :)

PEACE is in our hands i'm sure of it

2008-01-16T19:27:00.001-08:00

PEACE is in our hands i'm sure of it
Originally uploaded by Hotash

but it seems completely out of reach. . .

a tiny tribute to Brian Steidle

The Devil Came on Horseback watch it. . .

Sick cats

2008-01-16T19:24:00.001-08:00

Poor Douina
Originally uploaded by Hotash

little douina became suddenly very painfully ill last thursday.
after a late night call to the vet, 1/2 baby aspirin later and some rescue remedy, she calms down a bit. her left front leg is limp and cold, she can't stand. . .

off to the vet we go late the next day, they do all kinds of tests, the pain is now in her left hind leg and back. . .we still know nothing, but suspect blood clot

we are waiting for the results of a heart worm test.

she seems to be doing much better some 5 days later. . .
she's such a stoic kitty though, never complains or talks much-it was hard to see her yowling in pain and trashing around-poor thing

and
she doesn't like to be held-so you just have to watch
and
wait

so we are

AND

then that damn jester comes in with a swollen eye, the lower lid has been scratched on the inside-i'm assuming by another cat, and more than likely, big kitty

i am vet broke so he will be dealt with at home, by me
at least this is something i'm capable of. . .even if really gross!

4 days after the incident his eye swelling completely went away and his eye is fine - thank god
i, of course, worried the whole time that i'm doing him a disservice by not taking him to the vet. . .

we'll see, it's not over quiet yet

What we did at 4am this morning. . .

2008-01-03T20:20:00.001-08:00

What we did at 4am this morning. . .
Originally uploaded by Hotash

with the big storm coming in i was asked of me 'so is it worth living on the river?'

well, here's my answer.
YES!!!

yesterday after getting up and listening to rain bark (at what i figured were the fish in the river) i decided to let cali out and be sure there really was a 'bugger' out there-well sure enough there was (so she said)

i put on my favorite cerublu scart and pulled on my boots and headed to check with rain and cali. what we found was a man in his 30's or so, a younger man in his 20's and a small child. the older of the group was carrying a cross bow and walking along the river edge. the 20ish looking dude was thigh deep in hole with a long gaffing rod- i was FURIOUS!!!

i yelled at them 'you need to leave the river now! this is a closed spawning stream!!!'
they played deaf and dumb for a minute then when they saw me reach for the phone and i told them i was calling the cops :) the whole time rain and cali were just barking my support-the creeps took off up the river and hiked out the nearest little opening they could find-empty handed mind you. worst of all, i think they were neighbors!!!

anyway, after that we didn't see the fish the rest of the afternoon.
i went to work pissed. . .
then ended up even more upset when i walked in to work and found
this had happened

but, alas, i'm sidetracked here-what was the question?
oh yeah, 'is it worth living on the river?'

most of you know that we took a terrible hit in the 2005 storm we only lost trees and land so we consider ourselves lucky but it was pretty tough to take after having only just moved in 6 months earlier.

for me (and chris) the many happy moments we spend on the river, either in it or watching the river float by or the dogs enjoying a swim or tilting back a brew (or more), are moments well spent. in fact, our whole family LOVES the river

anyway back to the answer (story), this morning when i got off of work at 4am the wind was blowing strong and the rain still had not come. i made it all the way home, let the dogs out and the morning had become silently calm and a bit warm even. we were heading out to the field when we heard a terrible crashing sound down at the river. a slight regress here, when we first moved in, that first wet season i got so scared one night when i heard someone walking up the river in the dark. i ran in the house and locked the doors with the dogs- i told chris the next day and he laughed-told me, it's just the fish silly!

well, lucky for me, i just knew it was the fish again this morning so i took the dogs and two flashlights (just in case ;) and we walked down. this time there were the biggest fish i have ever seen in the river-ever! they were beautiful and about 8 of them all together. they were so big they were sticking out of the shallow water by about 3 inches or so. they were thrashing around and then would find a deep enough hole to hang out in for a minute or so, then do it all again.

one pair were pretty beat up and obviously tired, they were just calmly hanging out in one spot. rain and cali both waded out to check on the strange creatures in the water at night. i have never let them be in the river before when this is happening but everything was so calm last night. the tired pair did not care at all that they were being sniffed. cali left after just a few sniffs and rain stayed until one slightly flipped and scared her-it was funny!

the dogs came back and we all just stood there in the night listening to the fish. then another explosion of sound and thrashing around. i turned the flashlight on and there was a huge silver fish laying on its side on the side of the river. the dogs and i are up on the bank well above the river. i stand there and watch and wait for it to get the strength to flop back into the water. . .after a few minutes i realize it's not going back in the water-i can't stand it any more and i say to the dogs 'come on let's go save a fish!' and we all rush down the bank to the river. the fish is just laying there, gasping. i tried to poke it over with my hand-it's too heavy to move so i stepped a bit closer (not wanting to get my Alabama's wet) and tried again. nothing. it was desperate now. i took my shoes off and waded out in my socks into the cold water. i grabbed it by the base of the tail with both of my hands and dragged it back into the river. it hung out in the deeper water for a bit and then took off like a bullet! i can't believe how fast these fish are-it's amazing.

we trotted off to bed, well dripped up the river bank and then i tried to sleep-it didn't come easy but sometime after 6am i fell asleep. i woke up at noon-thirty and here i am again at work for another day:)

so my answer is emphatically "YES!" it's lovely living on the river

Blue Peace

2008-01-03T20:19:00.001-08:00

Blue Peace, originally uploaded by Hotash.

please consider joining One Million Peace Signs

visit the official One Million Peace Signs Blog

What (else) will 2008 take. . .

2008-01-02T23:40:00.001-08:00

What (else) will 2008 take. . .

Originally uploaded by Hotash

Well, 2005 took all but the tree with the arrow next to it. . .
I wonder what this 2008 storm is going to take?
Current Radar

This afternoon I tied off a new tree we planted (to the left) this summer to this tree in an effort to keep the tree at home if the river washes it out!
Well it was a pretty expensive tree :)

if this storm holds any of the punch the 2005 storm had we are in for another disaster in our county. . .

Russian River - Redwood Valley, CA
Russian River Stages

A look back at 2005
this is a shot of our tore up river & what is left of our backyard... stay tuned, another big storm is heading in tonight...

NEW! See video HERE

Join: California Floods

BUT
we set a record so yay! for us!!!
2005 Record setting rainfall

What we saw at the river today

2008-01-01T21:54:00.001-08:00

A pair
Originally uploaded by Hotash

we saw many things at the river today. . .

one of which was a stray cat fight!
the last we saw (hours later) him/her, he/she was still up the tree!

in fact it's this cat fight that woke us all up this afternoon. they must have been fighting all day long. the 'mean' kitty is a tiger stripe big cat. they are on the other side of the rive-i have know idea how they got there or who they belong to. . .

a duck or rather a Common Merganser
CHECK out more Merganser shots - even babies!

&
those spawning fishes again -yay!
what are they? Coho? Chinook? Steelhead? I"m pretty sure it's not Steelhead, but they are the most reasonable to be 'running' right now. I lean heavily toward the Chinook just based on the mouth not having a 'prominent hook' shape.
what do you all think/know?

Rain & Cali watching the action

The story of the Redbacks

2007-12-31T22:36:00.001-08:00

The Redbacks
Originally uploaded by Hotash

It’s a long one. . .
But I’ll make it short

A good friend of mine, cerublu and I did a boot swap. I had been drooling over a pair of slip on boots for ages. I decided on a pair of Redbacks from Australia. She had wanted a new pair of Ariats, so we did the swap. Everyone is happy. I have my lovely new work boots and so does she. I’ve been wearing the Redbacks here and there when I go out. They are super comfortable and light. They keep my feet warm and dry and I like them. . .

Skip ahead with me to yesterday morning about 9am PST, mind you, I’m trying to sleep because I’m working nights now. . .I wake up to some cursing and banging around downstairs. I say “what’s wrong?”, he says “Marlee got away, and the last I saw her she bailed into the river!”
Now, if you don’t know Mean Marlee
Please read her story below

Now, back to the other story

So, I roll out of bed, looking rather cute mind you and start to look for some shoes to go help. I have many pairs laying around, but I’m looking for the right pair. I grab the Redbacks and I put one on as I’m hoping through the house. . .I hear a thundering dog running across the back porch at the same time I hear his truck tearing down the driveway. I’m running out the door, trying to get someone, anyone’s attention as I’m trying to put on the other boot. I didn’t take the time to put on socks, a very bad call as it turns out.

As I’m watching him speed down the driveway, the deaf dog Marlee races after him, dripping wet and not stopping anytime soon. I finally get the other boot on and I’m off. I meet up with him at the river crossing down the road from our house. He on one side me on the other. He says “the last I saw her, she was running northbound full tilt, and not slowing down or looking back”
I take the time to take the boots off, roll up my pj’s and I wade across the river-lucky, it’s not too high, not like the other day when some goober got stuck in the river

So, we end up walking forever it seems looking for her in the vineyard. I only ended up walking about 2 miles according to google earth calculations-BUT, in that 2 miles I ended up with some sweet blisters!
this one on my right foot and this tiny one on my left foot.

He found it rather interesting because I raved about my ‘new boots from Australia’ heeheehee.

The only good news is, after he gave up and I had made almost back home, Marlee came running down the driveway like nothing had happened at all!!!! GOOD GRIEF!!!!
Oh, and it’s a good thing I bought those other shoes (much to his dismay) from Germany or else I would be a hurtin’ unit right now.

sigh-no heals-sigh

The moral of the story
-wear socks
-buy lots of pairs of shoes, you never know when you’ll need them (I told ya ;)
and
-sooner or later, they all come home

OH, and PLEASE don’t hold it against the Redbacks :) I still love ‘em

ok, I guess it was funnier in real life but alas it's my story.

Also, visit cerublu's Etsy
&
Have a Blister free New Year you all :)

M A R L E E

2007-12-31T21:45:00.001-08:00

M A R L E E
Originally uploaded by Hotash

Marlee is not always the nicest dog in the world...

Just ask Rain & Cali... both have holes that prove, even though Marlee is deaf, she is the BOSS! Marlee knows some ASL commands and sleeps through anything!

When I want to wake her up I knock on her iglooo (when she's outside) or just touch her when she's inside. Waking Marlee is funny... she is wide awake instantly!

AKA: Lizzy, Mean Marlee

Marlee came to us from Tracy, CA from the same rescue group that Cali came from; bcrescue.dogsaver.org

UPDATE
SPECIAL NOTE

Mean Marlee

Marlee came to us a little over two years ago. She was passed off as deaf and aggressive towards other dogs-very aggressive.

So aggressive that she was separated from our other two dogs for months before even introducing them. She would chew on her wire cage and slobber/foam at the mouth she would become so enraged by the mere sight of another dog. She has been known to bloody her nose and gums in her effort to "get" that other dog. Cali has one scar and Rain has many (as she is a butt most of the time)
Rain's war wounds

With constant vigil and acceptance of the occasional dog scrap we have been able to bring Marlee into the house and even take her around my families dogs-but Marlee does not go in public.

Now begins Marlee's story to date-a beautiful day on the beach in the company of strangers and dogs-you must read this, if it helps one other person out there then her job is done~

When Marlee came to live with us she came on a special diet of rice and pumpkin and she had severe diarrhea and coat issues. Oh, did I mention that we drove nearly 7 hours to get her? chris just figures I'm crazy-but something about her drew me in. We had a fenced field, a large outdoor kennel and I thought I could handle the aggression-who knew it was really "that bad?"

Anyway, Marlee went to the vet, got antibiotics 'for an infection" and recommended a "special diet." I switched her to an all raw diet along with our other animals and within a few months this symptom cleared up, mostly.

The hair and skin problem just continues to worsen. She has only fuzzy, fluffy hair, like puppy fur and itches/chews at herself all the time. She gets sores and she goes back to the vet (with a muzzle on of course). She comes home with more antibiotics and the diagnosis of "skin/food allergies." Shortly after this, her hind end skin has turned black/dark form her pink/white color and has began to thicken into a bare "elephant" like skin. Marlee also develops (suddenly one day) a very bad drunken walk and begins falling and tripping. She is only able to climb stairs with much effort and a person along side her. She goes back to the vet with ALL these symptoms-she comes home with more antibiotics and a diagnosis of "congenital deafness complications." Hey, I fell for it (sorry Marlee.)

Now, in between all this I tell the doctor (and anyone who will listen) that Marlee won't play and she just "sleeps all the time." In fact, she has developed these callouses on her legs and elbows from sleeping all the time. Again, it's chalked up to her deafness - quoted by vet "some deaf people describe deafness/movement as feeling queasy-did you ever think it might make her feel sick?" Well, no. So, I take her home (after wedging her nearly 90lb body into the truck as she can not and never has been able to jump.

-oh, did I mention she is just turned three this year? I tell you (and the vet) there is something not right with this dog. but, alas it's just "allergies."

This summer her skin became infected and her feet also became so bad, so fast, that I set to work online trying to figure out just what was happening to this poor dog. - I said screw allergies, the antibiotics never seemed to clear anything up and I refuse to believe it's diet.

Now, this is the part that really sets me off. Within minutes of researching words like "skin allergy", "black skin", and the like I find this site. (THANK YOU Dr. Ron Hines DVM PhD ) which leads me to even more detailed research and a prompt call to my vet (again.)

I drop Marlee at the vet with a list of current symptoms and a request to test for Hypothyroidism

They call me to pick her up, she has a bandage on one foot (she had a bad infection) they said "allergies." I said what about the test? Oh, okay we can do that too. Anyway, three days later I get the call.

Marlee's test levels return. Now let me first tell you that a normal Canine TSH (cTSH) is < .41 - Marlee rang in at 1.7 - so we have her on a ($25.00) med/high dose of thyroid medication (along with the 350.00 worth of allergy/antibiotics) Man this is a long story~

The best part. . .

Within 48hrs Marlee has shown marked improvement and is less lethargic, more alert, more responsive to touch. Three days later she goes for a 4 hour car trip with three other dogs and three humans to the beach where she encounters more humans and more dogs and she is not wearing a muzzle-it's awesome! She loaded herself into the truck and allowed herself to be walked tethered with Cali tugging her everywhere at full speed.

I'm telling you-four days ago I would have told you you were nuts to take her anywhere with that many other dogs.

We have nothing but hope for her to have a long, healthy, happy life now-thank goodness for the internet or I'm certain she would still be suffering this lonely, depressing life of deafness, lack of energy, dulled senses and constant itching-this is no life for a 1 year old (3 now) dog!

I can only wait and watch as Marlee turns into herself.

The moral of the story = Be the "advocate" for your pet - they can't talk or they would tell us just how silly we really are!

MORE INFO

Merry days everyone

2007-12-24T22:20:00.001-08:00

Merry days everyone
Originally uploaded by Hotash

Christmas. . .
wow-i'm glad it's nearly over.
this year really 'sneaked' up on me and i wasn't into it at all.

Christmas lists, credit cards, expectations, AHHHHHH!!!!!

as an adult, it's lost it's charm - i'm going to work hard to get it back next year and not with buying gifts. . .

i do enjoy the lights though ;)

Wild Salmon

2007-12-15T00:59:00.001-08:00

Wild Salmon
Originally uploaded by Hotash

they made it up the river a bit this year

My good 'bad dog' Cali

2007-11-23T22:37:00.001-08:00

My good 'bad dog' Cali
Originally uploaded by Hotash

we went to the river today and the dogs all had a great time
the weather was fantastic, you know after it thawed out :)

rain is doing really good. it's my job to make sure she has a good amount of exercise a day and doesn't eat too much-i should start doing that for me. . .

here is rain in the duck weed-when are we going to get some rain? why do we had duck weed in the river in november?

even marlee enjoyed the sunshine love today

Acorns & Nutkins

2007-11-22T08:28:00.001-08:00

Acorn
Originally uploaded by Hotash

so, the nutkins are continuing to do well.
we feed them yummy avocado 2-3 times a week and carrots and other nuts here and there.

they come around, well, i believe it's just the littlest who ever comes home, but any way, they come home and get the food then head back to the bay laurel trees next door.

they bark and bark in the early morning some days and those are the days that we go put food out-they have us trained well :)

at any rate, i'm nearly officially pleased with our 'catch & release' program-it appears to have worked-they seem healthy and growing, with thick fur and the big brother never comes around us or the animals, while the littlest shows obvious recognition, he keeps his distance

we're happy

since it's thanksgiving today they got a big, fresh avocado for breakfast & i'm sure they will get some pumkin pie later :0

Glass like fungi - 2 ( Mycena ) ????

2007-11-16T21:54:00.001-08:00

Glass like fungi - 2 ( Mycena ) ????
Originally uploaded by Hotash

any ideas/id?
i went to show chris these tonight and couldn't find them. . .
then i looked a bit harder and found that every single last one of them and been dried up by todays sunshine.

the whole little plant/fungi? was less than 4" tall and completely see through-like glass
it appears that the older they were the more upturned they became with tattered ends and distinctive black lines

i am so curious about these and have yet to be able to come close to identifying them
any help is very much appreciated.
thanks

I wasn't so drunk that i didn't hear you dreaming

2007-11-10T12:25:00.001-08:00

I wasn't so drunk that i didn't hear you dreaming
Originally uploaded by Hotash

Augie March

I stood and listened

2007-11-08T22:56:00.001-08:00

I stood and listened
Originally uploaded by Hotash

the other afternoon i went for a walk. i went to find someone and i found much more.

this tree (i'm not sure what it is) made a lovely song and dance for me as it's seeds fell to the leaf bed below and then danced to the ground.

i took a few moments during this walk
i decided i'll be back

douglas miller

Rain doggy

2007-11-06T20:15:00.001-08:00

Rain doggy
Originally uploaded by Hotash

well, last night she made it clear that she was sick, so off to the on call vet we go.
she was in a lot of pain, panting hard, shivering harder and refused all food attempts. she was also very stiff and having much difficulty walking.
chris calls me and we decide on how to get her to town (we are both working at this point or going to work) they do some x-rays and find that she is not having a bloat issue which i was very worried about (having just read about it online - ahhhh!)
however the xrays found some 'general haziness' and some problems with her lower back vertebrate and calcium deposits on the underneath of her backbone.

i decided to go to a new vet today, and i chose a local vet, katy sommers, who is far more into a more holistic and natural care program than i'm used to with vets.

i am moving my pet family to her hospital. i feel really happy with the decision to move forward and take charge of the type of care that should be provided to my dogs & cats, but i feel i need to talk to my old vet and explain to them why we're leaving. ugh.

anyway, turns out rain dog seems to have had a bout with pancreatitis and after a couple of pain shots and some subcutaneous fluids over the past 24hrs she is well on her way to feeling better. she still is not eating, it's been 3 days now, which is by far a record for her as i have never know her to turn down food-ever.

she's drinking water and lapping at vegetable broth here and there, but otherwise will not leave my side and just tries to be comfortable. last night poor cali was all nervous each time rain would whine-it was a rough night for us all.

rain got told she needs to loose some weight and eat a lower fat diet-she's not gonna like this much. lucky for me and her, our food supplier, feed this, has a vet and a dietitian on staff and will be helping me line out a nice low fat diet for her. bottom line is she needs to loose some weight and stay out of the kibble at my mom and dad's!!!

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T13:33:00.001-07:00

After light
Originally uploaded by Hotash

i love halloween because it means my birthday is right around the corner.

this year we did not have a halloween party, i was too lazy. so, no big deal, just a nice long four days off of work

enjoy some shots from the other night with my friend

out cold

2007-10-22T00:36:00.001-07:00

out cold
Originally uploaded by Hotash

it's monday morning, nearly 1am

out cold
i should be, but i'm still awake
i spent a small fortune on iTunes today
stacked some wood
took some pictures
and
enjoyed the sun

Seasons

2007-10-21T11:38:00.001-07:00

Fall reds
Originally uploaded by Hotash

fall reds
they are brilliant
even
in the gray of the day

summer is done

E&J

2007-10-21T10:08:00.001-07:00

The littlest

2007-10-19T19:02:00.001-07:00

The littlest
Originally uploaded by Hotash

today is 10.19.07
it's friday, my first saturday & it's raining on and off

i decided to try and call the squirrley nutkins even though it was raining.
i took an avocado out and put it in the usual spot and gave a call. . . nothing.

i gave up and came inside to have a spot of tea and go though some more pics from e&j's big day when i heard the oh so familiar sounds (which have been missing for weeks and weeks) of squirrely nutkins running across the roof!!!

i jump up and head outside, sure enough the littlest is up on the roof. i went an got some almonds and put them in one half of the avocado and tried to get him to come to me-he bailed off the roof into a lilac bush and raced across the front yard & up the pine tree, where he eyed me the whole time. i put the treat in the tree and went and sat on the porch step-he came right down and let me photograph him- i did not see his big brother, but he never did care for us much.

we are all warm & enjoying a nice fire, wasting time in front of the tv/computer

i hope you all have a lovely weekend
cheers

After the bat incident

2007-10-19T19:01:00.001-07:00

After the bat incident
Originally uploaded by Hotash

ok, so i decided to buy jester, the murdering kitty, a collar with a bell (again) because the birds are coming through.

skip ahead to the next morning with me.
it's 630am and i hear the jingle jingle of jester's collar and the dreaded familiar meow that means a catch has been made.

he trots upstairs and lets loose a live bat!!!!

the little jerk!!
i spend the next hour trying to shoo the poor thing out the upstairs balcony door. jester just watched and intermittently chewed on his bell.

once i got the bat outside jester went out for a bit then cried to get back in and promptly took over marlee's bed.
marlee took exception and pawed at him from afar.
he finally left.
&
then it was time to go to work :)
10.16.07

read more about my lovely jester

HERE

I'm happy if you're happy

2007-10-16T15:46:00.001-07:00

Attention, originally uploaded by Hotash.

i got an excited call this morning and they're happy
i'm so happy
phew

i missed some shots, but i think they will forgive me
and
boy did i ever learn a lot

i used the 70-200mm canon lens (borrowed from a friend) for the first time too - never use a lens you're not familiar with :)

actually, it was a great lens and the only thing that i didn't like too much was the huge lens flare i got - suppose if i used the lens hood i would have been smart. . .

all in all, it turned out well
it was a beautiful ceremony & i'm happy for my friends

i survived

2007-10-14T23:08:00.001-07:00

See what you missed
Originally uploaded by Hotash

it's sunday night. . .

i'm back :)

i pray that the photos come out half as good as they hoped...
i'm nearly sick to my stomach over the shoot!!!
the best part is. . .
that we all had fun, even though i was tense as tense can be...
never for money will i do this.
ever.

the ceremony was the most emotionally felt ceremony i have ever attended. the commitment that this family shares is beyond awesome.

the entire party made my mommy (who had never met any of them) feel welcome. in fact, i had to make my mom go home last night!!! i was exhausted and nervous (your were right kari, to give me that look on thursday-i thought you were crazy-but i realized i am!!!)

stay tuned and be kind as the event unfolds and dominates my photo stream for the next few days.

sigh

he big day was saturday. . .
E & J

i'm a tad bet calmer after going though some of the pics. . .or maybe i'm just tired

tell me, what do you think?

Sun sets on a long weekend ahead

2007-10-11T23:48:00.001-07:00

Sun sets on a long weekend ahead
Originally uploaded by Hotash

is 10.11.07
it's thursday, my friday. . .

the big day is saturday. . .
E & J

i head out in the morning (i'm taking my mommy with me for fun ya know) and i will be photographing the rehearsal friday night and the big day on saturday.

wish us great weather and me luck!

At rest@work

2007-10-10T17:18:00.001-07:00

At rest@work
Originally uploaded by Hotash

acorns and tobacco leaf scented candle make me happy at work

the acorns are selected from some that i have collected for our squirrely nutkins in case they run out and ask for more :)

the large round one is from an oak (black oak?) at my mom and dad's place and the two pointy ones are from our house (coast live oak?)

More on Oaks

i love this candle. i was introduced to this scent via a great friend who i miss dearly.

i sit with this almost everyday and it makes me happy while i remember happier things :-)

today i learned, during my acorn research, that acorns are rather interesting. they take anywhere from 6 months to 24 months to 'make' and the oaks need to be at least 20 years old before they begin producing acorns!

i plan on planting some of this babies around our place to replace the many trees that we lost in the the 2005 flood

Blown out Heart

2007-10-06T11:13:00.001-07:00

Blown out Heart
Originally uploaded by Hotash

these things happen sometimes. . .

i'm off to cut firewood today
i hope to see some lovely clouds
and
enjoy today

Don't laugh@me!!!

2007-10-04T17:33:00.001-07:00

Big Kitty
Originally uploaded by Hotash

the mean big kitty, made me laugh at her this morning.
she was all up in my face while i was trying to get ready for work, which is normal for her.

finally she decided to jump from the bathroom sink to the clothes hamper in an act of 'coolness' -

LOL

she hit the hamper lid and it instantly flipped, dumping her inside!!!
i laughed out loud so hard and she just glared at me.
i told her 'come on you know it was funny' and she just stared some more. finally she did a few burn outs and acknowledged that it was indeed pretty dang funny!!!

NATURES selective use of COLOR

2007-10-03T17:34:00.001-07:00

NATURES selective use of COLOR
Originally uploaded by Hotash

fall is definitely in the air of late. i don't remember ever really liking fall until just the past couple of years. . .in particular, since i picked up the camera. the camera really helped me to understand the light in our world-it's awesome.

i'm about to decide to go for a brisk fall walk with a friend after work or wimp out and go home. . .i should walk, 'course i should clean house and about a million other things too ;)

convince me

Clear on the Horizon

2007-10-02T21:49:00.001-07:00

Horizon
Originally uploaded by Hotash

today was a good day

The boys

2007-10-02T09:42:00.001-07:00

The boys
Originally uploaded by Hotash

they have been with us since June, and released in early September. both have been doing well, building nests and storing food, even getting along.
lately we don't see them as often as we'd like but i hope that means they are moving out in to their world and getting ready for winter

you can visit them here
http://flickr.com/photos/hotash/sets/72157600383376673/show/

"You got food?"

2007-10-02T09:36:00.001-07:00

"You got food?"
Originally uploaded by Hotash

meet the newest members of the household. . .

two baby boy tree squirrels-we still don't know what happened to mom or the litter mates, but we found one dead in the river and Cali found these two guys huddled up in a tree in the field.

she is such a good dog. for three days she tried to tell us these boys were there and on the third day chris went with her to the tree and saw something laying there. he waited until i got home that night from work and we walked out there to "check on a sick squirrel" and low and behold it's two babies. they were about 6-7 weeks old and in pretty good shape. we left them for another four hours without going anywhere near them-mom never showed up, so that evening (after much contemplation and research online) we brought them in.

they are growing and doing fine-they have been with us for nearly three weeks now. one is smaller than the other and he takes the heat from big brother-including body part suckling-so yesterday we separated them in cages that butt up to one another. little boy's "body parts" are starting to look a bit more normal and less infected today :-)

we don't handle them or hang out with them except to feed them. they have taken over the big bathroom and are becoming more and more active everyday. we hope to be able to release them and hope they do okay. we have so much to worry about with our cats and dogs and neighbors that we are torn - the little one is so calm and nice, while his big brother is much more aggressive and "wild" like.

they are eating soft foods and semi solids now, such as carrots, pine nuts, walnuts, apple, and they LOVE avocado.

i still let them suck on milk twice a day-especially the little squirrely boy.

we will have to wait and see if they start to build a nest and how soon before they crack nuts on their own. so far, they seem to doing really well

enjoy the boys everyone~

Who i spent my weekend with

2007-10-01T13:19:00.001-07:00

Who i spent my weekend with
Originally uploaded by Hotash

what a weekend it was
aside from the caffeine withdrawal headache, i had an amazing time
i left with much to think about and a lighter feeling even though i'm full of heavy thoughts