What Are We Gonna Do About Remmy?

Friday is the day I usually spend cleaning house.  That didn't happen this time, though, as our dog Remmy changed my plans for the day.  About an hour into the morning we began to notice that Remmy was making strange snorting noises, swallowing a lot, panting heavily, and eating lots of grass.

At first we thought he just wasn't feeling too well.  He does have allergies, and a sensitive stomach, so we just watched him for awhile.  That didn't last very long though, before I knew a trip to the veterinarian's was in order.

I called, and of course the vet had no openings.  So after I explained the situation, I was told to bring him in, and they would work him in somewhere.  This, they said, could take anywhere from one-to-four hours.

After we arrived at the veterinarians I discovered that not only were they packed, they also had several emergency situations that they were dealing with.  Needless to say, Remmy and I were in for a long wait.

Waiting Patiently

The office staff worked as fast as they could to get Remmy in to see the doctor, but his emergency wasn't as critical as some of the other patients, so we waited some more.

Getting a little anxious now

After a three-hour wait Remmy was finally called in to see the doctor.  The doctor confirmed what I suspected - Remmy had somehow gotten a foxtail in his throat.  It was stuck in his tonsils and he would have to be sedated for it to be removed.

I agreed to the procedure and they took Remmy into the back, while I went to sign papers. After learning what the cost of Remmy's visit would be, I decided that I should have become a veterinarian!

Finally Remmy was ready to go home.  It ended up that he had several foxtails stuck in his tonsils, and another one stuck in his ear!

We spent the rest of the day cleaning up the yard and every trace of those foxtails!

A Little Gardening

The other day I decided to buy a few herbs to plant.  With the weather becoming so nice I guess I am finally beginning to have spring fever!  I took the girls - Kayla & Marissa - to church on Sunday, and afterwards we stopped in at Lowes.  The girls found a few flowers to plant, and I picked out some herbs.  We came home and spent time planting the flowers, then I found a few pots to plant the herbs in.

The girls spent the rest of the day with me on Sunday so their mom could have a "mom day."  Besides spending time planting, they stayed busy playing with the dogs, reading, drawing pictures and playing with some friends who were visiting across the street.

The herbs - basil, thyme, parsley, sage

I've already used a few of them in my cooking.  I really enjoy using the fresh herbs over the dried ones.  Hope I can keep these ones going - the last time I tried they didn't do very well. I'll keep trying!

Meanwhile, the tomato plants are growing and have several tomatoes on them.  I am thinking about buying a few more tomato plants.  Right now we only have two of them and I usually have at least four plants.  One can't have enough homegrown tomatoes, right?

They do seem to be a little stunted though, don't they?  

All-in-all, it was an enjoyable, productive, Sunday afternoon!

The Hot Dog Stand

In my travels to L.A. the past few days, I decided to stop in at the famous Pink's hot dog stand.  I was very close after all, and several family members had been telling me how great their hot dogs were.  They informed me that I just had to try one.  I honestly have to say here, that I had never heard of Pink's before son Jason, and a few other family members, told me about it.  They have been around for 71 years, and are quite a famous landmark in L.A.  Jason and family have eaten there many times.  Maybe I need to get out more?

So while Tara was recovering from her surgery, a few of us headed for Pink's.  It was lunchtime, but the crowds that I had heard about weren't there.  We did have to wait about 15 minutes before ordering, however, that was mild according to others.  I ordered my hot dog the way I usually like them, which is with mustard and relish.

Pink's is a small building with a few tables inside, and a few more tables outside.  We were able to get a table inside quite easily.  While we ate our hot dogs, I spent time looking at the walls filled with autographed pictures of famous people who have eaten there.  There were lots of them, from Jay Leno, to Tim McGraw. (These were the only two I remembered seeing, though I know there were more!)

While I was there I decided to pick up a pink - of course, menu to keep.  I didn't bother to read it, just stuck it in my purse.  I am thinking of spending some time scrapbooking this summer and thought it would make a great memento.

So after everything I had heard about Pink's I have to say "it was a hot dog for lunch." Sorry, just my take on it!

Of course later, after reading the menu slogan and talking to others, I learned that Pink's is famous for their chili dogs.  Maybe that's what I should have ordered!

Keeping Busy

The past few days have been very busy.  Granddaughter Tara had surgery May 19th in L.A. This was her 6th ear surgery.  Each ear has been operated on several times for a complicated disease called cholesteatoma which is best described through this link. http://www.earsurgery.org/site/pages/conditions/cholesteatoma.php
Tara is the rare case, as she has the disease in both of her ears.

Since the surgery was to begin at 7 a.m. in L.A. (about 80 miles away from home) everyone had to be up and moving early.  Surgery was a little over three hours long, then recovery took at least three more hours, so we didn't end up leaving the hospital until about 3 p.m. We then had a long drive home in very heavy traffic.  It was a very long day.

Tara & her doll in recovery

Tara will need future surgeries, however, this surgery was good news in that there wasn't much of the cholesteatoma to remove.  The doctor was also quite surprised with her hearing ability, (he tested her hearing before the surgery) as most of the bones needed for hearing are missing in both of her ears.

She is home, a little less active than usual, however, recovering quite well.

I didn't get a chance to rest today, though, as I had to drive 100 miles for a doctor appointment.  By the time I returned home late afternoon, another day was fairly well gone. You would think we could find some closer doctors!

I plan on staying close to home Saturday!

Birthday Party May 15, 2011

Yesterday - really today, but it's after midnight so I have to say yesterday! - was my oldest granddaughter Kayla's birthday.  I can't believe that she is already nine years old!  She is growing way too fast.

We had a small party for her at my house, which included cousins Katie and Tara.  When "the girls," as we call them, get together they always have fun.

The birthday girl and Katie

Tara and Marissa

After pizza, presents, and cake and ice cream, we were supposed to go to the fair but the weather didn't want to cooperate so that didn't happen.  Kayla wasn't too disappointed though, so all is well.  Her mom promised to take her to the fair in the next couple of days.

We all enjoyed the party.  And Katie made sure daddy was comfy!

Spring Is Here, Time To Go Camping

Here is one of the spring babies that we saw in the area where we were camping last week. They were so cute, sticking close to their moms.  I couldn't get this one to come any closer!  In fact it wasn't even interested in looking in my direction!

Our trip was nice.  The weather was warm and no rain.  We did have to come home early though, as our poor puppy dog Remmy came down with some kind of nasty virus and ended up at the vets office.  Even after IV fluids it still took him several days to feel better. He is back to normal now.  I am not sure whether that's a good thing or not!

Oh, and we only brought back one fish!

Getting Started

I have decided I should be blogging, so here I am on the first page.  Hooray!  I have spent time looking at other blogs and they have convinced me that I have much to learn.  The good news is, I am sure I will enjoy the journey.  The bad news is, everyone has to put up with my first stumbling efforts!  Nevertheless, I will press on.