Critter update

We're not worried at the moment about the raccoons or the chipmunks.....but we did need to take care of the skunk. So we called a couple wildlife control services and decided to go with Smithereen - and not just because they had the coolest name. They weren't the least expensive (although all the quotes were in the same general ball park), but the guy (Dave) was prompt in his return phone calls, very informative and patient with all my questions...and just seemed plain nice.

He arrived this morning and set the traps next to our perpatrator's lair, baited them with marshmallows (heh. Who knew skunks like marshmallows???) and left us with instructions on what to expect and to call if we see the skunk in the trap in the next day or two. The traps are set in a way to only capture the skunk that is living under your stoop, not any random neighborhood skunk.

I heard a little bit of rustling shortly after dark (as did Thalia...she crept to the front door to investigate...which I promptly closed before she could get too close, even though the traps and stoop are way below kitty viewing from the front door). Pat just checked and shined the flashlight through the front windows, and sure enough, there's a cute little black and white dude trying to get out of his steel coffin.

*sigh*

I'm happy he won't be a nuisance to us anymore, but I'm pretty sad they will have to kill him. State law I think. I realize there are no shortage of skunks...He just looks so little, like he's still just a baby :( Pat thinks its an adult though. Even Dave the Smithereen Guy said they're harmless little buggers, especially once they get un-stinky. I'd kind of like to snuggle him. The skunk...not Dave. Is that weird?

Smithereen will come to collect him tomorrow, and I'm pretty sure they keep the traps for a few additional days to make sure there aren't any more taking residence in the same lair. I've got my fingers crossed that its just one, and not a family. I'd really be sad about killing baby animals. Last year a co-worker had to deal with a mama skunk and 5 babies, and it wasn't fun....then they give us tips on how to Skunk proof the porch, so no one else moves in.

One more thing crossed off the list!!

RIP Sam Dog

In this hyper connected world we live in, I received notice, indirectly (Facebook, actually), that my ex-husband Troy had to say goodbye to his (our) dog Sam today. I'm not sure of the circumstances, because I haven't had a chance to talk to him yet. I called, and left an incoherent blubbering message....not sure if he'll call back any time soon. I'm sure he's hurting.

We adopted Sam in April 2002 from the Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies (Grrr), shortly after we moved into our very first house in Henderson, Colorado. It was pretty much love at first sight when we went to meet him - even though he had some severe hip issues (from an accident, we were told, not displaysia) and was going to require expensive surgery. We adopted him, cared for him, rehabbed him and he, I think, was so very grateful :)

Yes, he was a great dog. Sweet, snuggly, and mischevious. He once snagged an entire pot roast off of our countertop. Oh, and the raw chicken he ate from the trash in our temporary Ann Arbor apartment. Yeah...the aftermath of that was fun.

He loved frolicking in the snow...sticking his nose in it and snorting away. He loved soft plush toys to hold in his mouth, as long as they didn't have a squeaky. If they did...he would destroy them in 2.2 seconds. Despite his 95 pound frame, he was petrified of Milo the cat (the big fat orange boy)....but really wanted nothing more than to be buddies with both kitties.

During our separation, we decided that it would be in Sam's best interest to stay with Troy here in the US, while the kitties went with me to Mexico. Sam was already an old boy, and although he traveled well, we both knew that international travel would be pretty tough on him. My heart hurt when I had to say goodbye to my big dog.

I did have the opportunity to see him on a couple of occasions since then - and Troy was always pretty good about letting me know how he was doing. Last time I spoke with Troy, he said Sam was still in good spirits, but definitely showing signs of his old age. I guess he would have been 13 years old this year....That's pretty darn good for such a big dog!!

He hasn't been "mine" since 2005, but he was always mine in my heart. So I say goodbye, and shed a few tears....but know he lived a good life. Goodbye Sam Dog. Someday, I'll see you again.

When Superfluous Spending Pays Off

So we're in Target buying necessities, when I pass through the cat isle on my way to finding the Shout Stain Remover and see "Cat Hats" - or maybe it was more like the Cruel and Unusual Punishment isle, really. I see a cute "Hat" for $3.00 and really, just have to, HAVE TO, have it. Seriously.

All for this.


This is a prime example of when buying something you don't need pays off. Because sometimes, you just have to laugh your ass off. Even if it is the expense of your own cat, and even if it only lasts a few minutes.

HOWL-O-WEEN

Saturday, I had grand plans to head out to the Wheel Mobile and find my fame on the Wheel of Fortune…but I was also very lazy :) And, we thought we might be able to meet with a prospective nanny. She posted that she would be at a local dog Howl-O-Ween parade, and we thought that was a cool way to meet! Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to meet her, but we did get some great exercise, and see a plethora of fabulous little pups. The coolest of which had a costume of his kid, Michael, on (i.e. T-shirt) and Michael, subsequently, wore a costume of Bernie, the Bernese Mountain Dog. Oh – and the Bull Dog Bee was cute too. Here’s a photo montage – be sure to note the dogs dressed as Larry Craig and MSP Police – in their respective bathroom stalls :)

Caught in the Act

Oh yeah. He doesn't like my cats at all. No sir. Not one bit. He just tolerates them.



Whatever dude. Just admit you LOVE them!!

Huzzah!

No, I'm not a renissance wierdo - I just like that word.


I accepted a job offer today - so I know what I'll be doing when move back to the US of A! Whooo HOOO! Bad news though - they put the Kaibosh on the more money thing though, despite my well thought "they can't say no" proof reasons. I was pretty miffed - but its not as if I'm underpaid right now.....I'll just have to seriously WOW them so I get like a million percent raise come March of 08!


And now........from Cute Overload..........Bert the pupp-a-roo. You have GOT (and I'm serious, I mean GOT) to read his short story of his socks BY CLICKING HERE. Comeon now, you know you wanna!



Ohhhhh - I just can't stop giggling when I see this! He's too flippin miserable/cute!!!!! I just want to snorgle him!!!!!

Operation Purge Crap – Phase 1 complete

Lo and behold to thier Word – the Salvation Army (or rather, Ejercito de Salvation) was at my house shortly alter 1:00PM yesterday to pick up my crap. I was amazed! Taking into account Mexican Time I figured they wouldn't be there until a day later at the earliest. Color me happy and pleasantly suprised! It’s a little bit of a chore to get the receipt, they don’t just give you one right away. I have to fax a list of everything I sent, along with all my info, and they will send one back to me. Hopefully I’ll get it, but if not, it was all donated for a good cause anyway.

According to my very humble estimations and lists – I gave away about $2000 in schtuff. Quite a bit, eh? Amazing how it all adds up. It feels good to have it all gone – most of my clothing is officially gone through, and about 80% of my maid’s quarters is now cleared out. I still have the big daddy to wade through – my office. There is SOOOOOO much crap in there – its even getting hard to walk. Well, part of that is our laundry which we hang in there on chairs, doors and ladders to dry, but the other part is just pure crap. I have about just under a BILLION papers to go through and shred. Just the thought of it is daunting. I already went through files/bills from 1995-about 2002 earlier this year…..but I still have four years to go. It’s a huge pain in the ass, but I know I’ll feel cleansed after its all done. I don’t need to store things that I don’t even need, know what I mean??

Also on slate today – taking the Furry McFurrisons to the vet. I’m going to get their health certificates and update vaccinations and stuff so we can bring the kitties home next week! Thalia is going with Keith on Sunday, since she’s such a good traveler, albeit a bit noisy. Milo is coming with me on the following Friday, since he tends to be more of a barfer/shitter/peer when he travels, sometimes all at once. He just has never traveled well. I’ll be more prepared for accidents this time though…handy dandy napkins, baby wipes, and plastic bags for disposing. Last time I waited to give him his tranquilzer because I didn’t want to give it to him if I didn’t have to….he’s not getting any younger, and older cats sometimes have difficulties processing the medication. But it will just be less stressful on everyone if he’s all high, so I’m going to give it to him right away – before we even leave for the airport. It will be easier on me!