And, It's Pink!

Pink!

I see two pink tulips that have started to open up!

Jasmine Update - Friday

Friday morning Jasmine ate all her food in one sitting. We still had to take her back to the vet for them to give her iv fluids and her medication. But, because she was eating they didn't anticipate her being required to stay all day. At 11am we got the call that she was being released. We still have strict instructions to follow with food, medicine and exercise for the next couple of days. The most important thing is that our Jasmine is back to her acting like herself and that would be a CRAZY dog!!!

Jasmine Update - Thursday

Unfortunately, Jasmine would not eat Thursday morning. My husband put a little bit of food in her mouth and she spit it out. We had to "force" her to take one of pills the vet gave us. Normally, whenever we give her pills she so excited to take them cause she thinks its a treat! She just looked so pitiful. So, she was taken back to the vet that morning. The vet tried to feed her too and she spit it out for him. They did x-rays to check for blockage yet there was none. They did see that her intestines were swollen and that she was bloated. Another stool sample revealed tapeworms and coccida. Dogs get tapeworms from fleas. Tapeworms also live in the small intestines. Vet said he didn't see any fleas on her, so she could of eaten one during a cleaning which could of caused her to get the the tapeworm. Coccida is a parasite that infects the intestinal tract. The vet said she could of either eaten or step in and clean off herself some feces from rabbit or deer to ingest the parasitic disease. Well, no we know for sure what is wrong with her and can address the problem. Unfortunately, the coccida is contagious and our other dog has been exposed. We will be closely monitoring him over the next two weeks to see if he develops this disease. They kept Jasmine hat day and started her on iv fluids and medications. She did eat a "little" that day. She got to come home for the night, with a page long of instructions. She had a lime green bandage that read "No Chew" all over it that was wrapped around her leg covering her iv catheter. She ate all the she was suppose to in two different sessions. Was a little bit more lively. Even picked up a ball for her "Daddy". So we were on the road to recover!

Our Jasmine Is Sick

Monday after work I came home to see that Jasmine had gone potty in the house. Unusual for her but does happen. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary with her behavior. Fed both dogs and noticed when Jasmine went to potty this time she had diarrhea. Woke up Tuesday morning to find a little diarrhea in the living room, but still no change in behavior. After work on Tuesday came home to find lots more diarrhea and either pee or throw up with a faint pink color. Behavior had changed. My husband called the vet but they would be able to see her until the next morning at 8:30 am. Jasmine did not eat any of her food. Tried to eat grass while we were outside. Later in the night I determined that when she would go potty that it was blood in her stool. Now, I was stressing a little. Just seemed so pitiful. Jasmine didn't play with any toys and typically follows me everywhere and she just lye on the floor. Woke up Wednesday morning to the sound of Jasmine throwing up when I came into the living room to see her there were six puddles of blood from where she had been trying to potty. I thought 8:30am would not get here fast enough!

Went to the vet and she perked up a little due to the car ride, but no where near the behavior we typically have with her. No temperature, but when the technician took the stool sample and saw the results she mentioned that it wasn't good (probably cause of the blood, but no surprise there to me). The vet had mentioned that her stomach are felt tight, maybe so gas. Wanted to do some blood work. Thought maybe could be stages of pancreatitis. Luckily the blood work to not point to that. She was dehydrated, no surprise there either. And there were no signs of kidney or liver failure. Red and white blood cells all looked good. She did show that she had high cholesterol. So, we believe she has eaten something "rich" that has messed up the enzymes in her digestive track. I had the option to either stay home and ensure that she drinks water or they were going to keep her and do an iv and cather. I opted to stay home with her. Before we headed out, they gave her a shot. Poor Jasmine whimpered a little with that one. Left with wet dog food to start her one, some kind of powder to sprinkle over it, and some tablets in hopes to get her system back on track. If she doesn't show 50% improvement in behavior by tomorrow we are to bring her back to the vet.

Got home and watched to see if she drank any water, which she did throughout the day. She got to rest a little while out on a deck for it was such a beautiful day. She pretty much slept all day and move from spot to spot occasionally. At 4pm, I was to get her to eat some of the wet food. She had no interest. My husband called the vet and they said she may not want any yet due to the shot but to try again at 6pm. If she does not eat by tomorrow we have to bring her back. At 7pm, she still would not eat that food. She is 8 years and 1 month old and I don't believe she has ever had wet dog food. I tried at 9pm again, but still has no interest in the food. We has had plenty of water and rest. She did pee on several occasions. Only had one attempt to poop and it was just a little bit of blood. As it is almost 10pm, she is resting peaceful on her bed. Lets hope that she wants to eat first thing tomorrow morning.

Azalea

Is that my peony?

Last year we transplanted a white peony plant to this very location where I have stuff coming out of the ground. I sure hope it's my beautiful peony plant! The plant was here when we moved in and in the past two years I never noticed what it looked like in the early growth stages. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed and going to do a little research on this. Next to this we did plant my two pink peony plants that we purchased this year.

Is that a tulip?

I finally can see the flower part of the tulips that we planted. I am so excited that these have turned out. Next year I will plant even more!!!

A flower!

Getting taller!

Not Sure . . .

the Health Care Reform that was approved and signed into law was a good move at this time. I do agree with some aspects, for example pre-existing waived and extending the age of students to remain on their parent's insurance, but the other aspects of the bill I do not. I have a hard time believing that we can afford this type of reform given the current state of economy. I have even a harder time seeing how this is going to reduce the deficit. Where's a flow chart when you need a visual? Also, I wished this reform was done in different stages, rather than one massive overhaul. It reminds me of that saying, "Haste makes waste." I heard one person state that they have been working on this for a year, but I wonder how much time in that year was logged on this? Of those who approve, did they read the bill? And did they understand the bill? I tried to read it myself and found that it was so hard to comprehend what I was reading and I have to stay I'm a college educated individual at the master degree level. Of course the news reports of the "backroom deals" going on was a little frustrating to hear and the response given was that this goes on all the time in Washington. So? In my eyes, that doesn't mean its the right "business" practice to follow. Only time will tell . . . and one can only hope this all works out for the best like we have been told.

A 1968 Firebird

As we were leaving a restaurant we saw a pretty hunter green Firebird in the parking lot. I was making all kinds of oohs and ahs along with trying to snap a picture of it with my cell phone when the owner walked out. He said it was a 1968 and had spent 8 years working on it. Well, it was a beauty! I soooooo want one! I guess we will have to keep playing the Tennessee lotto when we visit family!!!

New Moon DVD

Thanking my sweet husband for thinking to pick up the New Moon dvd for me!!!! I love it!!!!

Sunday Visit

Daffodils

Grass planted out front

Garden area

Sunday we went to visit my step-dad. Got to see all the neat changes he had done around his house and some of his spring flowers that were in bloom.

Curtains

We went to the mall in search of curtains for the living room. I had a particular vision in mind and just didn't see the right color that I needed. My husband pointed out one that he liked. The colors would blend, but would not create the look I intended of panels, sheers and valances to have a very full and formal look. We ended up purchasing the curtains my husband liked and they turned out that they match perfectly. Now, I just need to find some sheers to go along with the panels. And of course get these put up sometime soon! Pictures to come.

Vegetables

Michael wants to grow some vegetables.

Forsythia

Our forsythia is starting to bloom.

Tulips Growing Strong

My tulips are getting bigger!!!!

Twice In A Day

This morning I was exiting the Red Mountain Expressway at 2nd Avenue North and I was in the curve at the bottom of the exit to merge onto Carraway Boulevard when this small pickup truck already traveling on 2nd Avenue North decided to come over into my lane to get onto Carraway Boulevard. I slammed on my brakes, everything in my seats flying to to floor, just in time not to hit this truck and meanwhile the truck realized I was in that lane also stopped.

This evening I was driving on the Red Mountain Expressway when a Porshe merging onto the expressway at University Boulevard almost took me out when he tried to come over in the lane I was in. I think he took the ramp too fast! He later passed me and drove recklessly in and out of other cars.

Just glad to be home!!!!

Interesting

Today my co-workers and I watched a handful of people marching with signs and a mega phone voicing their approval for the new health care plan. I thought the noise we could hear was a St. Patrick's Day parade!!!!

Ouch . . .

my eyeball hurts!!! Had to go to the eye doctor to make sure nothing serious was causing my eye to be red and sore. Only a little surface irritation that is causing the inflammation. Got some drops and having to wear my glasses a little more.

Lenten Roses

Yeah, our Lenten Roses are starting to bloom!!!

Scale Back Alabama: Wk ???

I lost track of what week we are on in the program and have not made any drastic improvements in weight loss. But, I am being more aware of portion control and what I consume.

Should I Be Concerned ????

Monday afternoon the maintenance vendor that services our building brought two HEPA Filtration systems. I was asked if it would bother me and I stated no due to the fact that I was going to be leaving in an hour. I really don't know what was or is going on and no one ever said anything to me. At that point, someone did a "dust test" at the top of my cubical. In reflecting, I did notice that day as I shifted stuff on my desk that my fingers were getting dirty (I cleaned my desk two weeks ago with those Clorox wipes). Tuesday, I arrived at work to see that the machine was still there and running. I had heard from various people on our floor that they are doing duct work or something with the pipes that is generating dust that is being pushed down through the vents. I happen to have a vent directly over my cubicle. As I sat down, I noticed that my desk was nasty with brown stuff. I removed everything off my desk and wiped it down with those wonderful wipes. Needless to say, that machine ran for my entire work shift. And the noisy end faces my direction. I apologise to my co-workers for my venting, but they agreed that it was louder by me then where they all sit. About four o' clock that afternoon, there was yet another "dust test" done at my cubicle. I was sooooo glad to get out of that building! Wednesday, I happen to arrive at work to see that the machine was unplugged . . . ahhh piece and quiet. Turns out other floors were told they could turn it off if needed but it needs to be plugged back up before they leave. So, I was fine with it being off. Then, I had someone ask me if my air quality was better. I thought to myself, I guess, but mentioned I was just glad that the machine was off. She mentioned how she was going to turn the one on by her for it was better to be safe. I would say that within an two hours of my shift I started coughing and my nose was bothering me, so with the help of one of my co-workers that machine go turned back on and remained on for the rest of my shift. Once again, a little after 4pm there was another "dust test" down across the top of my cubicle. So do I need to collect a sample??? And what is going on??? I guess I will see what the rest of the week holds for me!!!

Pansies Planted

This weekend we bought hanging planter boxes for our deck and planted an assortment of pansies. They look very pretty!!! Thanking my sweet husband for helping me with this task.

Flower Bulbs

Today I purchased bulbs for peony and gladiolus both which are pink in color. I already have one white peony plant which we transplanted last year, so I'm hoping it took and blooms this year. Then if my new bulbs bloom I will be able to arrange white and pink flowers inside the house. I really wanted a red one too to go in our formal living room decor of tiger print. I will have to continue to search. My stepdad had some gladiolus bloom at his place last year, so that prompted me to get these. Not sure where I want these to go in the yard yet. Looking forward to getting these planted by the end of March. Hopefully, pictures available by summertime.

New Favorite

I really have come to LOVE Petro's sweet tea. Their tea has a "hint of orange" added to the tea. The problem is that I can only get it when we visit Tennessee. While in TN this weekend I asked my husband to pick me up two cups while he and his sister ran some errands. They came back with two gallons of it for me to take home. Thanking my wonderful sister-in-law, Elisabeth, for such a sweet purchase!

Turkeys

Gene and Portia have wild turkeys, not the bourbon, running around their property. This weekend we saw three out in the yard and even caught them eating berries out of one of the trees.

Three Wild Turkeys

Jumping For Berries

Graduation Party

Dinner Table Decorated

Chef Johnson

Corn and Potatoes

Crawfish and Shrimp

Saturday night Gene and Portia held a joint Graduation Party for Michael and Elisabeth at their house. The house was decorated with orange and tan colors to go along with the crawfish and shrimp boil on the dinner menu. They had awesome bread from Hillside Bakery which I ate a ton of that night (I so killed my diet). Of course, it turned out to be a very cold weekend! But, we had a great time anyways! Many thanks to them and their friends for everything they did to prepare for this party, for it was all wonderful!

Vote For My Car Design

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