Thursday, January 14, 2010

I'm Back!!

OK, I'm done hibernating for now. I reserve the right to go back into hibernation if the cold temps come back.


As I've been tucked in with my pillow and blankie on the couch this has been part of my entertainment. This is a face off between a Tit-Mouse and rapidly growing baby squirrel. I'm sure he was only half that size last week. I put seeds on the deck to keep Squirrel Monster from chewing thru the bird feeder.

I have a lot of catching up to do, so here are my Thankful Thursday entries. These things made me happy this week.

I have some wonderful blog friends. Several contacted me when I disappeared to be sure I was OK. I thank you so much. Suffering from depression, a person feels all alone, but you guys let me know that I'm not alone and so far I've been able to fight off the dark thoughts.

The collage above was done by Nicki. She took my header showing Samba and the pups running down the hill and pulled in pics of Samba, Fudge and each of the six pups we kept. Rob and I both love it and we're framing it. Thanks Nicki, I know that took a lot of time and I really appreciate it.


Missy Morgan has a cyst in the middle of her back. It's been there for years and never changes, until now. Yesterday it appeared a little larger to me. This morning I showed it to Rob and he agreed that it was considerably larger. Both Fudge and Sky were attracted to it and wouldn't leave it alone. We know that dogs can pick up on illnesses, including cancer, so Rob dropped her at the vet clinic this morning.

The vet called a couple hours later and said it is a sebaceous cyst and was getting ready to pop. It did pop during the exam and so they aspirated it, cleaned the whole area and put an antibiotic ointment on it. Now she's on her way home, good as new. This makes me very happy.


Now for a Samba update. This is a subtle difference but in the photo above, taken before Christmas, her eyes troubled me. She looked sick and sad.


In this picture taken this week, she looks more alert and curious. I told you it was subtle, maybe only I can see it, but Samba is feeling better. She's still losing hair, but we hope that will turn around soon.

Now for some things going on in blogland that you might want to get in on.


There's a contest on Dawn's blog. She's collecting lapghans for a nursing home. They need to be washable and approximately 32 x 37. Check her blog for details.



If you haven't read Red Dog Knits blog, you're really missing out. Kristi writes about the adventures of raising twin boys Gangles and Scrappy. These two are so cute and funny that you can't help but smile.

Kristi is trying to get crafters busy making teddy bears for the emergency workers in her area to carry in their vehicles to give to children who are involved in traumatic events, fires, domestic violence, drug raids, etc. Her cause is called Comfort Bears and will be ongoing. Check out the details at her blog and be sure to take a look at the boys.


Finally, for those of you who will never make it to Westminster, which is 99% of us, here is a virtual dog show that we all can enter. And it has great prizes. Best in Show gets his or her portrait painted.


Here are the categories:

Cat Dogs - Some doggies are, well, CATS. Right? So if you are a cat which is actually not a dog, never fear, you can enter here.

Hound Dogs - Do you bay at the moon? Become deaf when your snooter is engaged? Run fast on long legs? This is your category.

Herding Dogs - All you guys and gals who love to round things up, enter here ( yes, even Border Collies which are not actual dogs, but alien beings from the planet Agility).

Sporty Dogs - If you do a sport or are basically a good sport about life, then you are a Sporty Dog.

Non-Sporty Dogs - Bad dog! Bad dog! Grouchy? Sore loser? You know who you are.

Hard Working Dogs - Have a job? This one is for you.

Cracker Dog Insane Terriers (CDIT) - Let's face it, first of all, we are Relentlessly Huge terrier fans here at the estate. Plus there just is nothing like a terrier. Show us what you got.

Check out Mango's blog for all the details, how to enter and take a look at the great prizes.

19 comments:

LizzieJane said...

Glad that you are back Sue. The dark gloomy days of winter can really get you down sometimes. I have a very hard time wanting to to anything when it is so dreary. Happy to hear that Morgans cyst was nothing to serious. Hopefully she will be on the mend real soon.
I took a really long look at the two pic's of Samba. In the first one her eyes looked tired to me. Like she was not feeling well. In the second one there seems to be a bit more life in her eyes. I do see a difference too. You are right it is very subtle but it is definately there. Lets hope she will get better and better every day.
Take care Sue,
x

Dawn said...

Glad you're back! Thanks so much for posting the info!:) Big hugs

Martha said...

We missed you! Nice to see you back with positive thoughts and good outcomes for Morgan and Samba.
The collage was just beautiful and we can see why it made you happy - it really is lovely.
Thanks for updating us with all the news in blogland.
Take care of yourself - sometimes it is good to hibernate for a while.
xxxx

Marjie said...

Welcome back! The days are getting longer, and warmer weather has to come soon! I'm glad you found Mango; his posts are a hoot, arent' they? I don't know where he finds time in his busy Mastiff schedule (translation: sleeping, eating, sleeping) to caption all of those pictures! Glad things are improving with Morgan and Samba. It's hard to see them not well.

silfert said...

Hugs and welcome back! I'd send you a cake, but it might not make it to the table... ;)

Nicki said...

Glad you enjoyed, it was fun to put together!

Janet said...

The squirrels and birds have been competing for time at the feeders at out house too. Sydney's done her very best to keep everyone in line. I hope Morgan and Samba improve each day.

Vivian said...

Great news about the cyst. Bucky has one of those too on his back and we are constantly checking it. So far it doesn't seem to bother him, keeping our fingers crossed.

Rose said...

Winter days can really take their toll on a person. I've had some downers myself. Glad you are feeling better. There have been times I have felt like just curling up under a blanket for the entire day also. But MaggieMae won't allow me to do that. Last sat. was a bad one. I'd had a dream about my deceased husband. Although it was a good dream it left me in a funk for the entire day. It will be three years this May since he died. So glad I have my "rescue dog" to keep me going. (Yep, she rescued me!) Dogs are great mood lifters! Glad yours are doing better. By the way, have you noticed the days are staying light a little bit longer? Here in Western NY it's not getting dark till 5:30 PM now! Keep the faith!!

Sam said...

I was wondering where you were. Glad you're alright! I love the collage that your friend did of the dogs. Also glad that Morgan and Samba seem to be on the mend.

Unknown said...

Remember I'm just a phone call away when you need a lifeline and I'm happy to help. I am honored to call you friend :)

So glad the girls are okay. I can see what you are saying about Miss Samba and I know you are thrilled she's doing better. As for Morgan - scary when the dogs know something is going on before you do. Glad they alerted you and that it was a relatively minor something. g

Scrabblequeen said...

I'm sorry I hadn't noticed how long you were "gone". I guess in my business I thought you were busy, too. Glad you're back, and that things are better in your dogdom.

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

Sue, I've missed you and am so glad to see you back. I've checked on the lapghan project but don't kow if I can commit or not - I have a list of knitting projects that will take me until June to finish now. Thanks for letting us know about the different opportunities.

Lynn

SissySees said...

Love the contest, and of course, my girls will have to enter.

I too see more interest in Samba's eyes in the second photo. I'm so glad she's feeling better, and I hope the hair loss stops soon.

Molly the Airedale said...

We're so glad you're back!
The collage is just beautiful!
And we're glad Morgan is as good as new again! We're sending her lots of healing vibes!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

kathy b said...

I am so glad you are back Sue. Depression is so difficult and I am proud of you for being brave enough to tell us. Please know I care.

I am so glad the cyst is no longer an issue.

I am going to the Dog Show site for a good laugh!

Lapdog Creations said...

Glad everyone is feeling better... love the new header picture with the pups added in!

Thor and Jack said...

Glad you´re back!
That´s a beautiful collage!
Glad that Morgan and Samba are feeling better!

Dianne said...

Good news on Morgan's cyst, and I'm so glad Samba continues to improve!