Mountains of PA

What a trip, and I'm glad to be back. Ankles swollen and tired it was an adventure! But anything with me is always an adventure! Deliverring Buns to make their home with a new French breeder & Exhibitor in Rhode Island was exhilarating. Jenna, Her hubby Keith and Mom (Debbie) as well as Scott and I enjoyed a bite to eat (at Cici's Pizza, they don't have any in RI) before she took her new herd home. We met 1/2 way between her and us landing us smack dab in "Rabbit Transit" York Pennsylvania! I couldn't believe it, How totally appropriate was this. The rains finally subsided after dinner and allowed Jenna to look over her new herd.

The journey was truly breath taking and provided me an opportunity to stop and view the tragic site of the United Airlines Flight 93 (now a memorial). It left a feeling of sorrow and yet at the same time peace. I could never imagine the emotions of the passengers or crew when they made their decision to not let that flight become anything more for the terrorists! To this day my heart still goes out to the families and friends that lost loved ones on that day! The flag in this picture represents the point of impact of United Airlines Flight 93.

Climbing to the highest points and enjoying the view along the drive home I was breath taken by the beauty a single burnt tree could provide when on a mountain.

$1 a dozen

Driving home after a long Friday and Saturday adventure in Bunnies we came by a wonderful find! Imagine in this day and age finding FARM FRESH dozen eggs, brown at that for a single dollar a dozen! Well, we did and we'll make that drive back. Eggs, fresh from the farm, will keep for an average of about a month so it'll be worth the hour drive!

We will not forget!

A time ago awestruck our nation sat glued to our televisions and radios. For on this faithful day our lives were forever changed! Out of the souls of devils we sat trembling while our country was at the hands of terrorists! Lest we not forget that many loved ones gave their lives willingly to protect our country and our freedom both here and abroad. Many innocent men, women and children lives for ever gone and changed. Today please HONOR their sacrifices with a moment of silence for those who perished on 9-11 and never forget the price of those Angels in Flight 93 willingly protecting us.

Selma delivers MAGIC!

Oh the Bliss of new babies! How exciting when a little Miracle happens! Somehow (amazingly) Celtic Hare Flyer managed to successfully breed (despite his very small size) with Somerhill Selma (she towers him in body size). What a spectacle as for the first time I witnessed a doe lay on her side to allow a buck to breed with her. I wasn't sure it'd be a success as that's a first for me! BUT I guess ole' seasoned Selma knew just how to make sure she would take. Today she delivered 6 beautiful babies (I hope I have another delivery soon from one of my other bred does! just in case I need the foster.) Pictures below... show... 2 REW's (I'm almost positive), 1 Black, 1 (or 2) Steel ( I think) and 2(maybe 1) Chocolates I think,(GOSH I HOPE!!, come on dice give me a buck!! LOL).

Faster than a speedin' bullet!!!

To catch a thief it takes persistence, determination, cleverness and sometimes speed. I have some of those qualities, but with this Ole' beat up body I LACK SPEED. Smart; yes, I am that but Matthew (my youngest son), HE HAS SPEED! He's got it all actually and tonight (7/24) he proved just that as a shoplifter tested Matthew to his fullest! I can't help but to brag just a little! He's been out of detention 2 weeks this coming Monday and he did an amazing thing!

HE caught the thief and aided the police in the final apprehension ~ I'm left in awe and gleaming with pride!

Yep, he's a little crazy but really a good kid! And he can make me laugh!!

Anybody want the whole story ~ shoot me an email and I'll be more than happy to share with you the chain of events...

Phoenix for sale

Well the time has come for Miss Phoenix to find a woolers home to live. Yep, booting her out. No babies from her and I've got to make room... If you're interested in lovingly having Miss Phoenix come home with you shoot me an email...

"Rescue" gets a new home...

Troy Ohio, in the early morning hours of June a very sad thing happened. Left alone and abandoned behind a judges table was a lonely Netherland Dwarf buck (obviously a Sr.). Scott had spotted him as tables and such were being disassembled to be put away for another show. Responsibility and concern flooded him as he took the little guy around trying to find an owner responsible enough to claim him. No tattoo or marking was present. I simply could not believe someone (a responsible exhibitor or breeder would NEVER do this!) would just "dump" a bun. Scott even went to the show secretary and they done an announcement asking for anyone to come forward to claim him, but NO ONE did! How sad that this kind of thing would happen at a show. But with our loving nature we could not just simply leave him so we brought him home. Neglected and alone, With his coat in shambles, his front nails curling towards his rear due to length and teeth so long they almost penetrated the opposing jaw we took care of him and reconditioned him as well as monitored him for any potential heath issues. With this coat coming back in nicely, his nails cut to an acceptable length again, and teeth cut down (boy that was an experience!) he was ready to go to a loving home. A very loving and docile bun he would be a wonderful pet. So he was listed to go to a loving home. His opportunity came when a young girl inquired about him. I'm proud to announce that RESCUE went to his new home last night where he'll receive lots of love and attention from a special teen girl (and her friends & family). Miracles do happen for all if we just believe!!

WOW,Don't PUSH anybody...

Yesterday I went to bat, Not at a ball game, but for Matthew. He had been detained since May (59 days!) for a probation Violation, and allegedly pushing down another student. He's smart but challenged. His consequences MUST be kept short otherwise his ability to "see light at the end of the tunnel" becomes clouded and closed off thus his behavior gets worse. That was still the case in Juvenile Detention, where you can get a write-up for belching (he had 22! write-ups in 10 days). Frustrating though as it may seem (hoping we are ready to have this child back at home), I spoke in court yesterday expressing how this as well as boredom can easily influence Matthew's behavior to get worse, of the safety plan and services we've put in place for him as well. It was really a triumph when the Magistrate chose to NOT SIDE with the probation department (and continue to detain him) but to release Matthew until his trail. The Magistrate told Matthew "DO NOT DISAPPOINT HIM and make him regret his decision". Hopefully the child can "hold it together" long enough to be proven innocent and if he doesn't get that verdict maybe, just maybe he'll simply get "time served". The maximum sentence is 180 days!!

Winter has long gone...

Regardless, my Mom's love for her backyard is present no matter the season! She is constantly rewarded from her dedications to our fine feathered friends and insects alike. One day in early January I took this picture out on her back porch to share (she thought I did this). Look carefully...there are NO FOOT-PRINTS to the area. The birds had left her a message!!!!! I LOVE this picture and simply had to share it.

Not to be outdone...she has put alot of hours into her gardens (just like years of past).

Her sunflowers abound with beautiful large heads.

Her beautiful Purple Cone Flower attracts many bees, and they work hard to complete their duty of pollinating her gardens.

This year she added a new area of garden...and (of course) it took Scott's' masculine body to finalize her new additions...

Mom's lost her Marbles...

Well... not really. My Mom is a very unique person. She is always willing to try new things (although she still remains gadget challenged). Last weekend she handed Scott a soda bottle she'd purchased from the Easton area. After she drank this soda (from China if I remember right) she wanted this marble out of it. Pretty unique in itself since the Marble is released inside the neck once you open it. Well darned if she didn't want that marble out to keep it! So she waited till we came and asked Scott to retrieve it... As he finally came up with how to do it (over the dumpster) the marble comes popping out (and you guessed it), right into the dumpster! LMAO!! So he had no choice but to go get Mom's "lost" Marble....

Container planting 101...

Always choose a container that will be twice as big and heavy as the fully mature plant! LOL... You might remember the little cherry tomato plant that I was growing in the ceramic (hand painted) pot on my porch... WELL, NO MORE! Mother Nature and this darn green thumb I'm cursed with had BIGGER plans for me and that plant! As I came home yesterday from a delightful visit to the Columbus Zoo (with Scott) I was horrified to find my beloved cherry tomato plant laying on my porch (container shattered)... crying ..... Never FEAR though....

My beautiful...(I think undamaged) cherry tomato plant was quickly rescued and placed gingerly into the ground (where it probably should have went in the first darned place knowing this thumb of mine...). Carefully mulched, watered and re-staked she should now have plenty of space to continue to grow!

A TRUE Honor...

Saturday night (unbeknown st to me at the time...) VIVIENNE was judged in BIS by our very own ARBA new director Eric Stewart. Very thorough and referring to the Book of Standards even after 14 years of judging Mr. Stewart hard a difficult time making his decision. Although I do not recall whom he chose (I think it was a Silver Marten), I was truely impressed as to his reason for coming to the show. Remembering Brian Hartzell, gave me faith in "our" organization. I am very pleased with this appointment of Eric to this position and believe that he will be fair and do well for us in the future.

In the Wee Hours of the night...

A new French Angora exhibitor is born. My beloved daughter Kathleen is yearning for the day (for the moment!) when she can be graced with her very own French Angora, but not yet. She has lots to learn with limited research and financial resources (worse than my own). I demand that she be capable of providing the quality of life that I do for my herd. Large hutches, plenty of grains, straws & hays, good quality pellets & supplements. She (in tears) with her new found friend Vivienne exploded with energy of hope and understanding that following her Mom's advice would ensure her success in the future with her own herd. Viv has been promised to Kathleen (when I believe she is ready, Kathleen not Viv. Viv is always ready,lol.). I will ENSURE my daughter has a good start to her herd. My plan is to breed Viv before Kathleen gets her, back to her son Hopscotch. With my "watchful eyes" and guidance "Kat" will also rise to be a successful French exhibitor.

"BROKENS" be still our hearts!

Given the opportunity to start small "Kat" has chosen her first "real pedigreed, SQ breed" of Holland Lops. 2 unrelated does and 2 sibling bucks hopped along side her and stole her heart (a sibling doe came home with me so I could ensure she would not breed the bucks back to the sister). This (little investment in my daughter) will give her a renewed understanding of the commitments of breeding and care for the improvement of the breed(s) (and her herd) as she repeated to me... I will only breed with "your permission" so I know I'm not breeding to much, for the wrong reasons or time. Up until now she'd breed (or try to breed) anything to everything. Not the way(s) to do it in "our" world. So this is her start.

Every 15 to 30 minutes Scott would have out the "Standard of Perfection" carefully going over it to make sure that what we choose was meeting standards. Funny because I would just get it put away and he'd ask for it again!

Our Dwarf Hotot's did not "fair" as well as we'd anticipated and Scott spent time with a fellow breeder learning more and openly received suggestions and guidance.

Our Polish Sr. buck did very well in show A (maybe got a leg), but was shot down in show B. However, we did add a little Black Jr. Polish Doe to our herd (to be "Keys" mate) that should compliment his qualities and balance his few flaws in their breeding later this year.

Surprisingly, and with confirmation of what I'm doing with my nutrition program, Vivienne took BOB and BOBV Saturday night in Troy (in both show A & B). WOW! What a testament to a brood doe! Whom just had a litter of 7 on the 26th of March. Sparkling in all her glory she won over T-Bird whom took BOS and BOSV. (With 5 French and 3 exhibitors she may have "just got a couple legs"!)

Not to be forgotten! This show was to help raise funds for the "Youth Scholarship program" in Memorial to our beloved Brian Hartzell. The turnout was AWESOME and he was not FORGOTTEN!

Creative parenting 101

18 years old and he "knows-it-all"...Robert. As you may recall on Memorial Day Robert and Scotty were "kicked" out. Well, Scotty has a very high intelligence level, although he lacks motivation. Scotty gave it a week... came to Scott and I and apologized. Explained how he was not ready to be "out on his own" and how uncomfortable he was in his temporary living arrangement. Scotty asked if he could come back home. He was granted that but with the strict stipulation that he get "that room" of his under control (cleaned up) so it could be repaired and repainted; and that he either get a job or go back to college (within the time frame Scott laid out). ROBERT on the other hand...
He choose to move in with a family that has a heavy history of drug and drinking going on. As a result that is the behavior that Robert has picked up. Not a good situation. He to wants to come back home BUT.... with his younger biological brothers having problems and being "locked-up" I just could not have him "waltz" back in with these behaviors! So here comes the creative resolution!
Robert, must for the next 3 days show maturity and responsibility by making correct choices for himself. He has been given the option of proving himself prior to being allowed to return. Although he does not have a permanent place to sleep each night (or a guarantee of food) we felt this was the 1 way to encourage his personal potentials that he seems to be "over-looking". He must test for drugs through the boys probation officer. IF he tests positive after 30 days he will be kicked back out. His projected date of moving back in is this Saturday, providing he can show us he CAN be responsible. He must show up where he is expected on time. Here each day, at a specific time he will be given a hard chore. Correct completion of this chore will earn him a hot meal and a hot shower before he leaves for the night. This is to go on till Saturday or longer IF he misses a time/chore. It's his choice. He is to get a job. This is to be completed by getting applications (which he must walk to to get), filling them out and then I will provide him transportation to turn them in (at least I know that way he's dressed correctly and trying to get the job).
Yesterday he did good. Although it was the first day, it's a step in a more positive direction for Robert. He worked hard, given the simple task of hedge trimming and clean up. He completed that and went further (by his choice), weed eating and mowing the yard. I was pleased to see his determination... something I've not seen for a while. He was rewarded with his hot meal and shower as promised and a new report time for today (10am). We'll see if this new trend continues after he earns the right to move back in.
It's not easy to have to do this with these boys especially Robert! I do believe it's the hardest thing I've EVER done! TOUGH LOVE! But, boy that didn't stop the tears from flowing (from me) as he walked out the door for the night.

So the Gardens grow

Yesterday was a good day! I felt energized and encouraged, although not sure if it was a fluke or not. I hope it continues...

I spent a marvelous Wednesday morning watering and mulching the "little" gardens. Truly that's what they are. But none-the-less I always enjoy them. (These pics were taken on Tuesday.)

I really seem to have a green thumb (at least most believe I do). For example, my African Violets will be in profuse bloom soon. They all started out very small and were my deceased Mother-in-laws. She was never able to get them to re-bloom. (Located under the variegated Spider plant). They have gotten VERY large and last year bloomed from about the middle of July till I brought them in for the winter.

It amazes me at the ease of growth and the early little cherry tomatoes that I just planted two weeks ago. I LOVE cherry tomatoes! I also have 1 child still in "lock-up" that will be tickled over this and he could eat nothing but tomatoes! This is 1 I have growing on my front porch. Obviously it's happy there.

This year we've "braved" the gardening limitations often found in our downtown environment. Limited on workable land Scott and I have put in a little garden by the back door. It's a hoot! But with any luck will do well despite the partial shade that envelops that area after morning. We already have the starts a a bell pepper. How exciting!!

We've planted 4 tomato plants, 7 bell pepper plants, some Lemon Balm and Sweet Annie here. As you can see from above it's alot for such a little space. This pic shows that as of 4:45 (Tuesday) the only thing getting sun is the Sweet Annie on the far end.

On the other side of the steps we've chanced some cucumbers. They also seems to be happily growing. I hope the harvest will come out nicely.

Our oldest member of the family is our Rott mix, Omni. Gentle as a baby, she decided (as she often does) to check out the neighborhood...

Feeling left out the BUNs DEMANDED their own personal gardens, lol. So through recycling of an old water trough I added some drainage holes and river rock. This beautiful little garden should help keep THEM (and us happy). Plantings include spearmint, mint julep, lavender, red Sylvia and curled parsley. I'll have to watch the mints or they will take over it all.

The red Sylvia was added to encourage the hummer that seems to visit us in August (for the last three years). I've also added more reds to my planted baskets this year just for him.

You know, to me gardening is really enjoying and easy. I wish parenting these challenging step-sons we equally as easy! Sometimes you just have to get more creative than they are. (And I don't mean artistically either,lol.)

My energy flowed throughout the day and allowed me to prepare a wonderful supper for the family. Including homemade fried chicken, chilled pasta salad, sweet rice, southern style greens, deviled eggs and brownies... oh yeah, and of course served with spearmint tea! What an unusually high vibe day.

Rainy Zoo Day...

The rains held off yesterday till the afternoon making it an interesting trek back to the car. Mom and Aunt Gail worrying about me getting wet from the rain took turns "running" behind me with umbrellas in hand while I was "STUCK" in an electric wheelchair. My walking has not recovered yet, it might not ever this time. The toes don't bend now at all and certainly can not be curled anymore... course that's been the case now for years due to surgeries. But that didn't hinder our fun!

Beco (pronounced Bee-Co) our newest Asian Elephant born March 27th, was a joy to watch weighing in at 492#'s (less than Scotty :-( ). Mama Phoebe encourages Beco to explore as learning however Beco prefers to mimic Phoebe and as a result has not yet ventured into the waters for baths like the previous baby did. I'll be behind you all the way.... in this picture.

Our beautiful majestic Bengal Tiger strutted his

stuff for us behind his viewing window... What power he holds within him!

As we ventured slowly to our furthest destination of the Gorilla's exhibit we stopped to enjoy the ever so vibrant colors of our Pink Flamingo's. The lighter color Flamingo is indicative of a Jr. They become more colorful as they age.

The mirror that is placed in this exhibit helps to reassure the population by making them believe

there are more Flamingos in the existing flock.

The color of this male was just breathtaking and he deserved his own moment in the "light".

While "some" of us carry the weight of the world

on our shoulders the enormous Tortoise must carry his weight on his back!

Reaching our "final" planned destination. We learned that the "gray hair" of the well known "Silverback" gorilla is a sign of sexual maturity. Unlike our "gray hair" that seems to be added to us when we have teenage children! LOL :-)

While some of us are on the go all day long others seem to only lounge around. This laid back Kola Bear rests and sleeps almost 22 hours a day! IF ONLY we had that option!

As I look back on the day I discover "we" enjoy the antics of our animals more than we realize! I marvel at the majestic creatures we could lose due to our irresponsibility in caring for our environment and wonder... How much longer it will be before we truly wake up and protect what we are losing! GOOD LUCK BECO! It's going to be a long road growing up for you!

Nestbox PANIC & Miracles...

Ever counted babies and had them disappear? Well that seems to be my case! Saturday I checked on everyone...19 french babies all present and accounted for. Monday...comes and BAM! I've "lost 1" (literally)! I can't find it! NO WHERE!! Not in the nest box, not in the hutch & NOT on the floor (course I've got baby saver installed). Disappeared I tell you! Selma's quit feeding, Frustrated I start separating Selma's litter for fostering... after I lose 1 to malnourishment from her. How many can 1 doe handle?! I added a meager 2 to poor Sunny's litter... not sure how she is going to manage! She is somehow, I believe a miracle worker!! She has been doing very well (surprisingly so) with her enormous litter of 12. I'm still in Awe! This picture is taken today of the 14... almost to many to count in this picture... definitely a very FULL nestbox!

The remaining 3 are being fostered (and very closely monitored) by our Dwarf Hotot Reverse that delivered Sunday (6 days after Selma) a litter of 7. Risky at best, in my opinion. As they (DH's kits) could suffer in the long run I think. That brings Reverse's litter to 10! I hope she can handle them!! Scott checked on the DH/FA litter this AM and said the FA kits had nice full bellies. I hope the DH babies do as well. They blend in so well with Mom's wool that they are hard to see! Taken today, in this picture you can closely see the French (Selma's) and the new pink little DH's. Every time Reverse nurses she pulls more wool. She is doing so well with everyone right now. She is now a proud mama of a Chocolate, black and a ?? French... (maybe a fawn, but very light in color with white belly/legs). Maybe tomorrow I'll take pictures of just this 1 little one.

I wonder could Selma have quit feeding because of me handling the kits daily?? Should I re-breed her 1 more time and not intrude? Maybe not handle them?

Miracles and carelessness seem to go hand in hand in this family! Sunny has done VERY well with this litter! I've checked on everyone daily and been giving her oats & barley, fruit/nut birdseed and Calf Manna with a little crushed tums. Of course I'm also going to make sure she has Acid pack in her water... How much stress can 1 poor doe go through?!

Porschea (our big bad guard dog) saved a baby bunny on Saturday! Carrying it in from the rabbitry to me. Somehow it managed to escape from Sunny's nestbox and end up on the floor. Baby is doing well and will be named Lucky Dae (Day, depending on sex).

Totally amazed she did not hurt the poor little one! Not a bite mark anywhere! Actually, I think she thought it was her squeaker toy...they're the same color, lol.

Knitted baby Afghan~finished

Well although it took a while to finish it's done. I enjoy the pattern but for me it lacks challenge after the first completed one for my grandson Jaden. This one took a while to do because I also knitted 2 pairs of fingerless gloves (using recycled drinking bottles that's been turned into yarn) and a very nice triangle shawl (100% Alpaca) in between start and finish of this afghan. Now before I start the "surprise" afghan for Mom for Christmas I am working on a nice hat to compliment the shawl (and 1 pair of the gloves). I also have a couple of "quick" little projects I'd like to do for my Aunt (for Christmas) before I start on Mom's Afghan. I'm going to do pair of cabled slippers for her as well as a nice large Mobious scarf.

Here is the finished baby Afghan...

This is knit in "1 piece" and the detail is shown in the following picture.