tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128942682012-01-23T10:05:07.865-05:00"Just a Little Fish in a Little Pond." Photos and thoughts on local occurrences and scenery. Visitors welcome.pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.comBlogger7751100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-79535275536587353282012-01-23T10:05:00.000-05:002012-01-23T10:05:07.884-05:00

And all we have to show for it are two peas in a pod. They ran off their little tails yesterday, and seem to need more sleep than one night can offer. Our walk today was in light doggie tees and lots of slushing through puddles. pb Little Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-3503611054454070272012-01-18T11:07:00.001-05:002012-01-18T11:07:49.843-05:00

Sung to There's a hole in the bottom of the sea. (refrain) There are WAY too many PETS: Too many pets in the house that's a zoo. (sung twice) 1: There's a fat HuggaMutt in the house that's a zoo. (twice)(refrain) 2: There's a huge, gray Bubba and a fat HuggaMutt in the house that's a zoo. (refrain) 3: There's a skinny old Deedee and a huge gray Bubba and a fat HuggaMutt in the

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-88114215389772867192012-01-13T10:56:00.000-05:002012-01-13T10:56:55.814-05:00

Don't ask.Bubba snoozes on top of the refridgerator. Deedee has permanently co-opted our computer chair. Ellie the HuggaMutt seeks some peace in Husband RJ's favorite perch. VeggiGirl's Frankie naps on the pet-designated platform lounger. Incie (as in, resulting from a brother and sister mating) is VeggiGirl's favorite cat.  She hides away in her owner's closet. Patches has taken over the

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-4916090998520439522011-12-03T11:13:00.000-05:002011-12-03T11:13:57.645-05:00

When the RiverDog first arrived, she came just in time to set me on the road to recovery from a series of Multiple Sclerosis exacerbations.  She was just a little nipper who hadn't yet grown past her ears. In need of many walks, my little buddy soon had me tramping the neighborhoods, getting us both in shape. Now we are tied to the Chemung River, were she can run off-leash, and I can watch for

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-39611289317733205452011-12-01T11:33:00.000-05:002011-12-01T11:33:41.730-05:00

Not nice, Mariah!  You are way too old to be sharing bubble-gum music, let alone a whole video, with Justin Bieber. Mariah, you have become that creepy older woman who is trolling around for boys, so she can initiate them into the "mysteries" of adult love. And shaking your butt in a Santa Outfit should be reserved for "Adult" Christmas parties. Stay away from our teenaged boys, Lady. BTW, I

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-14929010018968293262011-11-11T08:22:00.001-05:002011-11-11T10:17:08.704-05:00

Armistice - And Irony I can see them yet, as they marched away, So debonair, so brave, so gay! I can see them yet, as they turned to wave, The smiles erased from their faces grave. And as I stood there, turned to stone, The sun's last glint from their rifles shone. I can still see my Mother, with face so white And my Father, standing so still, Trying to think that all was right, Trying to

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-21982370534737577892011-11-10T10:46:00.002-05:002011-11-10T10:50:29.973-05:00

Saw an editorial today that spoke the last word on Michael Jackson. My generation saw many of our idols destroyed by drugs throughout the last forty years.  Drugs, drugs, drugs:  death, death, death.  Heartache and heart break. I thought MJ turned from an almost obnoxious child star into a handsome, suave, intelligent performer.  He completely enthralled me with "Billie Jean."  A fan for life,

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-39090487297097638882011-11-06T10:18:00.001-05:002011-11-06T10:19:41.906-05:00

So many adjustments to the camera for this strangely green November!  The late foliage allows small animals to forage on the river bank, almost unseen.  Almost.Eldridge Park is an odd mixture of greens and blues and reds.  Very unusual at this time of year. Mind you, it is still near freezing, and neither the HuggaMutt nor I can stay out as long as we like.  This weekend my poor little buddy is

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-85195463791382848912011-10-26T09:37:00.001-05:002011-10-26T09:38:08.971-05:00

This is what you get if you let your fowl run free.  Looking for a handout.  Scared the hell out of me.  Perfect for Halloween. Of course it doesn't scare my little country cousin Violet.  Nor my beloved HuggaMutt, either.  This is no mean rooster, either:  just one of the several hens that provide MammaDog and her family with eggs.  Notice how Ellie doesn't begin to frighten the darned thing.

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-67809553778116971062011-10-19T10:10:00.001-05:002011-10-19T10:12:49.690-05:00

Violet is a child who really should have a dog.  Unfortunately, that dog would be Ellie, the HuggaMutt.  Our Ellie is middle aged--nine--and just not up to the rigors of a rambunctious, to say the very least, toddler. Right now, the focus of her aggressions and impulses is Little Brother Murphy.  Violet throws herself at and onto Murphy any chance she gets.  Interestingly enough, Murphy doesn't

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-15997712366869113222011-10-03T09:53:00.000-05:002011-10-03T09:53:56.082-05:00

The hot and cold, but very wet summer is giving way to a cool, rather wet fall. This makes for breezy, comfortable days and cool, just-made-for-sleeping nights. This does not make for pretty, multi-colored foliage.  Green or brown, or, if we are lucky, yellow leaves are falling.  Everything else is still green. I even go out without my camera.  Just can't remember to bring it, somehow.  This

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-60268369544688210692011-09-14T15:59:00.000-05:002011-09-14T15:59:52.712-05:00

Broken Dew Claw.Four weeks restricted activity.  Plastic baggie to go outdoors.  But, she's only got a tiny chip broken off the carpal area. pbLittle Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-83095839190324962992011-09-13T14:09:00.000-05:002011-09-13T14:09:51.404-05:00

...an unusual abundance of apples;Apples hanging in clusters like grapes. The whole tree is just full. They look wonderful, but unfortunately they are inedible. We don't use any commercial pesticides, because of our pets. They look like little gems hanging there.  Both trees are covered from top to bottom.We can't allow people to pick them, because of the liability in case of injury.  We do

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-8470956868308855742011-09-11T09:20:00.000-05:002011-09-11T09:20:10.849-05:00

I don't like "never forget"  because that would infer "never forgive."  If we are a big enough nation to forgive and rebuild Japan after Pearl Harbor, then perhaps we can look forward to making new allies of old enemies. We are spending today away from the News Media and with our family. Speaking of family, my BlogSister Digital Karen stepped in immediatedly to undo the damage done by the "

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-15284140412993150412011-09-06T08:32:00.000-05:002011-09-06T14:12:39.411-05:00

By now, I have forgiven you for dying so young.  You are alive every time I play your songs.  Nevertheless, I'm still holding a grudge against you for not sharing your condition.  So much could have been done;  you might still be among us. At least we have your music and we have your videos.  Thanks, Freddie. Still your loving fan, pb And now on a lighter note: I call this picture:  Don't

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-77591059328386899452011-09-04T20:19:00.000-05:002011-09-04T20:19:24.000-05:00

Pat's Pond was briefly hijacked by a URL-selling company.   Fortunately, these attacks have been reported to BlogSpot.  Another blogger simply looked for the additional garbage among the HTML in the template. I searched for those idiots by their url, and sure enough, there it was nestled comfortably in my code. Ripped it out by the roots. Jerks.  Everyone be warned.  The correction is simple

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-52254823467745774122011-08-22T10:00:00.000-05:002011-08-22T10:00:42.898-05:00

My little buddy has once again had an unfortunate tussle with a local swamp kitty.  We know that there is a huge, positively venerable skunk that forages for grubs in our lawn, but a few nights ago, there had been no sign of it.  Ellie needed to pee before retiring for the night.  I had already gone to bed. Fifteen minutes out the door slams open and the unmistakable scent of neighborhood polecat

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-62484612135017718222011-08-08T09:14:00.001-05:002011-08-08T09:15:57.841-05:00

The scene is my daughter's birthday party.  A little jello--red, naturally--spills on the porch carpet. Grammy kneels down to clean up the goop, before it should stain.  A hopeless cause. The result:Not so great for a sprained back, but Grampa Randy snatched her up into his arms before there could be any damage. After he shot the photo, of course. pbLittle Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-48254827184537927442011-07-11T07:28:00.000-05:002011-07-11T07:28:27.675-05:00

This is all I'm going to say about the Casey Anthony verdict: The jury could not acquit on circumstantial evidence.  I only sporadically watched the "show" and never saw anything but circumstantial evidence presented by the prosecution. Personally, it seems to me that it was the best job of stalling ever done to sandbag the local authorities.  Just enough to thoroughly corrupt the evidence.  So

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-7439968584114324142011-07-03T15:21:00.000-05:002011-07-03T15:21:11.997-05:00

Not just the mergansers, either.  Our local fishermen came out in droves to enjoy the shallows and catch a few bass.pbLittle Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-15452341544194661162011-06-13T09:17:00.002-05:002011-06-13T09:19:59.592-05:00

If a scary dream ends well, does that make it a good dream? Last night I dreamed I attended some sort of somber function, and we had to check our belongings.   When I was ready to leave, I was given my purse.  Then the checker, who was a man, said, "We couldn't find your dog."  Never mind that I hadn't brought her along. I was furious and frantic, and asked them to help me find Ellie.  They were

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-18620755357303117392011-06-11T10:05:00.000-05:002011-06-11T10:05:38.333-05:00

I got a series of shots of this critter Saturday morning.Are we looking at a very young male or nursing doe? The rest of the shots are here. pbLittle Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-74477306314523710212011-06-09T09:20:00.001-05:002011-06-09T09:20:56.416-05:00

Do you give birth to a pet? I in effect excited when this article comes to my attention. To a great extent captivating: [url=http://]How to be sure you are giving no greater than the finest for your dogs? Absolutely nothing to do with my "Downtown" blog, naturally.  Bad thing is, I think I understand what they are trying to say... Does it get any better than this? pb Little Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-1841990831933020322011-06-05T09:20:00.001-05:002011-06-05T09:21:38.542-05:00

I guess these are some sort of weed, but I don't recognize them.  I was walking with Ellie on the riverbank and was stopped short by the sweet scent.  Anybody recognize these? Double click on the photo for an extreme enlargement. pbLittle Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-62998449525498439692011-05-28T10:40:00.000-05:002011-05-28T10:40:09.279-05:00

Our precious storm orphan, Dee Dee, now has a pink belly, fairly bereft of hair.  You may also see that her leg is somewhat hairless on the inside, too. She shows no distress, and just loves for me to stroke all the bare areas.  I'm afraid it is a sign of age, but never had a cat go bare like this.  Only on the underside.  And no other sign of hair loss any where else.  Anyone have a clue why?

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-2548146258723873922011-05-26T09:34:00.000-05:002011-05-26T09:34:49.491-05:00

While I am still on Disability, I have at least had the pleasure of playing my video games.  So much so, that I found a new cheat.  I made a mistake following a time-honored cheat and discovered I could double my pleasure. I was so excited, I published it on my gaming blog. Doh!  When I googled it to see if I comes up, it turned out that this has been discovered by many, all on the different

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-18333768420966222622011-05-04T10:11:00.000-05:002011-05-04T10:11:51.890-05:00

Got a bumper crop this year.  Just this week, actually.  Mostly males, too. pb Little Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-39673795187237887532011-04-21T09:09:00.001-05:002011-04-21T09:12:10.420-05:00

On this day in 1910, Samuel Clemens (a.k.a., Mark Twain) died.  He was later buried here in Elmira in the Woodlawn Cemetery, right next to his beloved Olivia Langdon Clemens and all his children.  Clemens spent many summers at Quarry Farm on a nearby hill, facing the valley.  In fact, he would walk down into Elmira nearly every day to visit with friends. Not so much Fun?  Well, Samuel Clemens

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-38179947540226620092011-02-19T09:52:00.001-05:002011-02-19T09:52:52.109-05:00

When I get a minute and a frame,  this is going by the door: No one knows better than we do that pet hair is all over our place. Don't be too shy to ask us for a lint roller before you leave. We have dozens of them. The Management. pb Little Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-77739764897519480672011-02-15T09:14:00.000-05:002011-02-15T09:14:29.242-05:00

Two names that really don't go together, except this week.    Today Duane, my father-in-law, is being interred at Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira, New York.  He is entitled to a site at the attached National Cemetery, but chose instead to purchase his grave in the regular one, so that the love of his life, Carol Kelly Olthof, can someday be placed alongside him.  They will lie together as long as 

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-91441709052929802492011-02-13T10:01:00.001-05:002011-02-13T10:21:41.459-05:00

John Jones was featured in our local Sunday paper, and I can never get enough of his history! pb Little Pond BTW, My FIL died this week and his obituary is in the same paper.  We are on the usual roller coaster, preparing to bury our dear patriarch.  More comments here.  Gonna be busy for a few.  pb

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-26978967552792528392011-02-09T15:58:00.001-05:002011-02-09T15:59:03.928-05:00

Frosted MorningI know you all are just dying to see our snowy Upstate aftermath, right?  We did not get the huge dump gotten in Boston and other coastal areas.   Just sort of pretty.  Click here. pb Little Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-45507775836074445062011-01-22T09:37:00.000-05:002011-01-22T09:37:24.269-05:00

My first winter visit to see the GrandKids.  First a scary trip through the poorly plowed streets of Elmira, then a nerve-wracking ride on the River Road between towns, and finally, another scary trip through the streets of Big Flats. A twelve minute trip took a half-hour, trumped only by the unplowed driveway up to my daughter's home.  I threw old Barbie (you may have guessed that she's a

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-40934130614732684952011-01-16T12:39:00.000-05:002011-01-16T12:39:03.459-05:00

The physical stresses of the past year are beginning to ease.  Even a sprained back can't hide the fact that I now feel my hands and feet.  Still rather numb and tingly, but they are there again.  There were times in the summer when there was simply Nobody Home at the ends of my limbs. And once again, my mind is turning to the Infinite:  this body that has a tenuous hold on the present surely

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-882929921327905952011-01-10T07:37:00.000-05:002011-01-10T07:37:24.769-05:00

Recently there was an unpleasant buzz here in Elmira that Cappy's would soon close.  Regular readers see lots of references to it as the goto store for almost any gift-giving, but especially spur-of-the-moment.  It is a mandatory stop for anyone visiting our downtown shopping areas. A visit to this site will tell it all.  Lots of photos, too. But Cappy's is here to stay.  A piece in Sunday's

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-80290490336449361842011-01-06T09:47:00.000-05:002011-01-06T09:47:56.282-05:00

In Leonard Pitts' column today, something caught my eye. He wrote about how many blacks don't want to rehash the tragedies and injustices of the Jim Crow era. He's right. About a decade ago, my dear, now departed, coworker Carolyn Myles reacted very strongly to a Halloween decoration painted by one of our production artists.  It showed the artist hanged from a black tree against a dark sky.

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-28848103666845551792010-12-30T10:11:00.000-05:002010-12-30T10:11:57.484-05:00

In his Grampa's arms. (7 lbs, 2.6 oz and 20.5 inches long) (3.25 kilos and 52.07 cm)

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-30588272314696418652010-12-24T08:25:00.007-05:002010-12-24T08:29:29.791-05:00

           Christmas week in Little Pond. Bring in the whirl- wind! Little VM begins to remove the ornaments one by one. No big deal.  A lifetime of living in households full of kids taught us to place only unbreakable ornaments along the bottom. In fact, if we shift our thinking, it might even look as though VM is actually placing the ornament!. Happy Holidays from the Little Pond.

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-73066399234234731392010-12-19T09:12:00.000-05:002010-12-19T09:12:12.757-05:00

A Christmas Riddle: How long did Santa spend in front of the Fireplace? Answer: He can't remember; he didn't keep a log! From a Hallmark Peanuts card.  Thanks Sharon!

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-90956097962417525742010-12-08T10:12:00.000-05:002010-12-08T10:12:43.868-05:00

And as far as Ellie is concerned, "Bah, Humbug!"  She hates the extra clothing, and isn't nuts about a run down to the Chemung.  She will go, and she will enjoy herself, but she will steer us back to the car when given half a chance. Enjoy the season. pb Little Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-74248566950939892242010-12-01T11:51:00.002-05:002010-12-01T11:53:35.739-05:00

I hate flying, and will only fly in an emergency.   The last time was to return home for my godfather's funeral.  I hated every minute of it and upset all the people around me by looking like death warmed over.  To call me white-knuckle doesn't begin to describe my fears. But I wanted to be there for the widow, my Godmother, and my Dad, who lost his baby brother.  My eldest uncle was wandering

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-78797147983980368942010-11-15T19:31:00.003-05:002010-11-15T19:34:04.363-05:00

The airline security procedures are invasive?  Of course they are.  The Christmas would-be bomber was hiding explosive in his underwear, for God's sake. Don't like it, don't fly. OR BETTER YET... How about a non-secure flight for those who like to gamble? They can pay extra for insurance, and sign waivers. Then they can all fly together, crybabies and terrorists. Let's see who wins. pb

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-59070291604292737642010-11-14T07:53:00.000-05:002010-11-14T07:53:15.545-05:00

My readers and friends already know my position on gay rights.  Nonetheless, I admit that I was put off by Craig Wilson's column in Sunday's paper. Of course, I had suspected it all along.  Still, I was a tad disappointed when he openly declared it in the last four paragraphs of the piece. Some people should learn to keep controversial personal information to themselves. pb Little Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-60077420558776999452010-11-12T08:58:00.000-05:002010-11-12T08:58:17.150-05:00

...head over to the MS Companion for a short complaint about abbreviated underwear.

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-452371761840709452010-11-11T09:45:00.000-05:002010-11-11T09:45:29.863-05:00

I've been planning to post witty sayings that occur to me about getting old, but I keep forgetting what they are. pb Little Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-38438383149317932462010-11-09T11:06:00.007-05:002010-11-09T11:13:25.764-05:00

I only recently realized that I have begun to compose my latest Dragon Lady book in my head.  I had been too busy and unwell to follow through in the past year and a half. Josephine is now closer to my own age, and will have to adjust her libido accordingly. That is to say that she's feeling randier than ever, and has the means to carry her romps not only around the planet, but back into the

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-7374821508133742762010-09-27T13:03:00.000-05:002010-09-27T13:03:09.297-05:00

We had an ugly hiatus for a while, after a nasty malware was stuck to Pats Pond. I cleaned it up and we seem to be back in business. Rest assured, I will watch carefully for those weird comments that seem to be non-sequitors. What the frig?  Who has nothing but time and the will to ruin other people's sites? pb Little Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-73291877632008126842010-09-17T15:31:00.003-05:002010-09-27T13:00:03.478-05:00

Just found out that Sasha Cohen will play Freddie Mercury. On the one hand, I am thrilled that we've finally gotten to the point when someone will play Freddie.  On the other hand,  I'm scared that Sasha will blow it. Can he play it straight, so to speak? What I feel for Mercury is almost religious, and is certainly reverence.  I can never forgive him for being so careless.  And on  top of

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-33337260975324660102010-08-16T20:29:00.001-05:002010-08-16T20:30:18.398-05:00

Two years now, we've been hearing about hive collapse and the loss of honey bee colonies.  Yet during those two years, there have been plenty of honey bees around the Chemung River.The two bees in these photos are typical of any visit in the summer here.  I worry because my childhood included a beehive tended by my Dad.If you look in the top right, you will see a jealous Ellie, waiting none too

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-37871863283957199132010-08-04T07:36:00.001-05:002010-08-04T07:39:25.357-05:00

Was it right about this time last summer we began to hear about Swine Flu? I am seated ramrod straight in front of the keyboard, trying not to turn my head.  The absolutely worst neck pain since the neuralgia of my first diagnosis. Much better since yesterday, though.  I spent half the day with a corn kernel bag against my neck and shoulder.  And last night's sleep simply wasn't, period. Today

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-61269120354958366772010-07-30T16:41:00.001-05:002010-07-30T16:42:05.074-05:00

Ellie visits the "mud flats" in West Elmira.  Soon she will be heading for the hills of Big Flats, returning to MamaDog and thier new home. In the meantime, she's getting plenty of exercise during our River Visits. pb Little Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-82662495491702504832010-07-21T10:02:00.000-05:002010-07-21T10:02:23.480-05:00

What the frick? The Itawamba County School District must now pay $35,000.00 to Constance McMillen, as a settlement to a suit brought in her behalf by the ACLU. You may remember that the school district simply canceled her Prom, rather than allow her to attend it as an openly gay lesbian.  She battled on, hoping to reinstate the prom, but to no avail. The bigots in the school board would

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-45836408986919196572010-07-18T11:23:00.002-05:002010-07-18T11:25:02.735-05:00

The Chemung River is very low.  The sites we usually visit make my little buddy stink.  We head just down-river from Elmira, where the water is shallow but still clean. These geese don't give a darn about a little HuggaMutt.  Ellie is paddling about in the shallows where Huge Dogs generally plow their way through the flocks. Come visit the River. pbLittle Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-4405843918418704852010-07-09T08:46:00.006-05:002010-07-09T10:39:12.452-05:00

For all intents and purposes, I am on disability. For those interested in the legal, financial, and work aspects, check the MS Companion, for past and future details. And there were certainly struggles. The worst enemy was my own ignorance. I have been tilting at windmills in the workplace arena. Gannett has been very cooperative since the thing became official. Especially Luann in HR, who has

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-75751664776674126642010-06-08T07:40:00.003-05:002010-06-08T07:44:11.692-05:00

Now there are "commenters" that are really just spammers.And Blogger is protecting them!I can delete all the comments on any of my blogs, but there is one below that can't be deleted, because Blogger doesn't even recognize it.Please don't tell me this is a glitch. Everything else works fine.And I know only too well that Blogger makes money from these ads/fake comments.I only wish I knew just

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-13383485883063238812010-06-02T18:40:00.004-05:002010-06-09T07:31:21.534-05:00

Sorry. Couldn't resist.pbLittle PondStill unable to remove spamming "comments"

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-44855973841117667712010-05-24T07:41:00.002-05:002010-05-24T07:47:01.058-05:00

Just Violet, Jake and I, sitting and enjoying a peaceful Sunday afternoon.Looking forward to future days along the Chemung with my little river rat.pbLittle Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-42667557708576865172010-05-15T10:00:00.003-05:002010-05-15T10:08:47.096-05:00

If you follow any of my blogs, you are sick to death of my whining about this tree. The whining is over! Finally got a really close shot of the blossoms, although I never quite got a proper setting on it. Don't really know why not, either. Just never happened.But this is the Buckthorn Blossom. I got a shot before the NYSDEC comes in to chop away all the lower hanging branches. Buckthorn--or

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-59197044330270573012010-04-25T08:16:00.003-05:002010-04-25T08:21:29.921-05:00

Waiting for me in the email this morning:"Hello,Please could you go and visit The Wheel of Fortuna and leave a supportive message for Steve.http://spinfortunaswheel.blogspot.com/His partner BobRobert has just died in the local hospice.It is not so long since his diagnosis in 2007 which makes it all even more sad.Thanks for your support.Love,Herrad"I'm not much of a praying person these days, but

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-9352429620624213042010-04-20T07:18:00.004-05:002010-04-20T07:27:13.102-05:00

Got a note from Herrad today. Usually anything from Herrad is a morale booster to make my day happy. Today is not that day.Herrad directed me to this post on another blog.Anyone who is living out the last days of their partner needs all the support anyone can offer.She wanted me to visit and leave a comforting comment. I complied.Now I am asking you to do the same.pbLittle Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-46678809179152893562010-04-05T13:28:00.008-05:002010-04-05T13:51:14.055-05:00

Here's the naughty little girl, eyeing my camera, and simultaneously poking at it, just before she globs up the lens. Just spittle and spitup, that glob.Got that look her mother always got just before she got naughty enough to send herself to the emergency room. Same naughty look her second cousin used to get just before she attacked the family dog, who let her do it.Glob is an anagram of blog. I

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-62282310302231721672010-04-05T07:01:00.002-05:002010-04-05T07:11:58.587-05:00

Well! I finally--after a couple of years!--figured out why one of my posts in a photoblog of a local nature site was collecting ads for a certain men's drug, both legit and ripoff.The first comment was "Where can I get a (mythical creature that looked like a white horse with a narwhal's tusk)." I don't even dare to type the word, which begins with "u."This morning it dawned on me that the

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-88828635309137494612010-03-31T09:38:00.003-05:002010-03-31T09:59:28.527-05:00

That was the title of the piece buried in the back of the first section of our newspaper. Here is the original article posted to their local newspaper.The brave girl, who took on the local school district and won, is a lesbian who just wanted to attend the prom as herself. In a tuxedo. Prom dresses and tuxedos are de rigeur, for proms, aren't they?The school board told her she couldn't. Then she

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-29665169757123069632010-03-18T10:48:00.003-05:002010-03-18T10:52:45.183-05:00

I am back to my usual shutterbuggery, even daring to go out alone to the Chemung.Also, check out the new header, courtesy of Digital Karen, my very own blogsis, at the MS Companion!pbLittle Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-53582507743082542062010-03-10T08:10:00.002-05:002010-03-10T08:13:05.488-05:00

Step-granddog Jake, left, and the HuggaMutt Ellie bask in the warmth of an open door. The sunlight makes them sleepy and quiet. Not their usual.Spring is on the way, folks.pbLittle Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-7608201752164263832010-02-27T08:10:00.003-05:002010-02-27T08:26:25.217-05:00

An earthquake shook Chile earlier this morning, with its epicenter 250 miles below Santiago.Our Brian Alegria, our foster son, lives in Valparaiso, closer to the coast. My brother-in-law's family, his mother and siblings, also live there.The last I heard, there were 78 dead in Chile and the first tsunami has already hit.At this time they called off the tsunami alert.pb

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-3079008979511522032010-01-30T11:52:00.005-05:002010-01-31T09:09:40.240-05:00

Update: I finally gave up on trying to get Blogger to accept this video. Webshots (and Facebook, for that matter) had no trouble at all.Overly-cute-ness alert! On the other hand, it's not even two minutes and full of baby chortles.The seal pup.Wish I could find a way to get it to my parents, who refuse to get a computer... pbLittle Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-21502972103657193562010-01-23T10:32:00.002-05:002010-01-23T10:37:53.877-05:00

As much as I love to see the river flowing again, I can't help but remember that these presage scary days for those who live where there are no levees to protect themselves from the Chemung.These massive blocks can clog narrow channels and cause flooding. Right now, though, they provide a lovely haven for waterfowl seeking a sheltered area for the night.pbLittle Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-39731070385685937132009-12-25T06:52:00.002-05:002009-12-25T06:57:45.728-05:00

A very special Christmas photo, featuring Granddaughter Violet and older daughter MamaDog playing SantaMom. Love to all!pbLittle Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-63442077333459052462009-12-20T16:40:00.001-05:002009-12-20T16:42:55.863-05:00

No snow here in Elmira, NY, but it's too cold outside. Stay in and stay warm!Ellie still wants out, though, and we got our eagle!pb

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-61364593189919342062009-12-05T11:49:00.005-05:002009-12-05T12:08:31.916-05:00

Wandering with Ellie Saturday. She's been a bad girl, and must now stay on leash, at least until she learns to come, stop, stay, et cetera, all over again.So she was pulling me merrily along the bike trail on Foster Island, when she stopped and refused to lead. I tossed her back in front and told her to go ahead.Yup, that's a real command. I need her to be able to lead: to pull, actually. She

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-8061586023566725062009-11-07T19:14:00.004-05:002009-11-07T19:22:04.392-05:00

...of being willing to walk the frosty wet river bank after the snow. Naturally I bundled Ellie in a sweater and scarf, while I wore my winter walking coat and heavy headband.Freezing temps prevented me from taking many shots, but when I saw this beauty, I forgot the cold and zoomed in for a photo. A pileated woodpecker.This bird is half the size of Ellie. About two feet tall. Completely

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-27337476864904219062009-10-31T11:22:00.006-05:002009-10-31T11:36:34.224-05:00

Ellie and I enjoyed our visit to the river today. Enjoy I also did a little alone stuff, while she hunted on Foster Island.Tonight we will set back the clocks to gain an extra few weeks of sunlight in the morning. Sounds good to me; I am tired of waking up to the bleak blackness.Good news! We expect to be completely laid off this summer. I am more than ready; the commute is killing me. Gannett

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-92212797519788885942009-10-12T06:22:00.003-05:002009-10-12T06:47:59.480-05:00

We are just about seven months into my new lifestyle. I am chronically tired, because now, for the first time since MS entered my consciousness, I cannot rest at midday.My car went the way of my naps, and I now own a Malibu. Definitely not the end of the world, but not my style. Between the car payments and the huge gasoline consumption, we have no cash for anything, and no longer pay down our

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-72357206965727058532009-09-14T06:36:00.003-05:002009-09-14T06:37:50.558-05:00

Daddy Darrell can always make Violet smile. Real smiles of recognition. Best milestone yet.

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-49803044188616671852009-09-08T06:28:00.002-05:002009-09-08T06:33:27.288-05:00

But the Riverhag has been busy visiting with the GrandKid on weekends. These are our holiday shots of the Chemung. Go to the RiverDogging link on the side for more low river shots. As for those who want more baby photos: maybe tomorrow. Off to Binghamgton. pbLittle Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-3126931402696386062009-08-30T09:29:00.006-05:002009-08-30T09:53:08.206-05:00

Yeah, the only time I post now is to put up yet another batch of baby pics. Lucky I have time for that, these days. Back to work tomorrow.pbLittle Pond.

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-6075493462787090012009-08-02T09:58:00.004-05:002009-08-02T10:13:39.420-05:00

Spotted a huge tiger-striped bass or muskie, while birding. Brought home a very poor shot, because the river wouldn't cooperate. I gave it up after about six tries.I tried to catch a heron doing his thing near the spillover, when I spotted a very unusual heron. I snapped away until I ran out of batteries.This is not the first one I've seen. It can't be an egret, because there is no fancy

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-27218455192577736352009-07-31T05:54:00.000-05:002009-07-31T05:55:01.945-05:00

One more thing on the road to the looney bin.

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-8511913777305415102009-07-26T13:26:00.003-05:002009-07-26T13:33:40.328-05:00

I know everyone doesn't agree with me, but the cool summer has been a blessing. MS'ers can enjoy the beautiful green world. With only weekends to enjoy the outside world, I am personally glad that we are not having a hot, dry summer. I take Ellie to the River every chance we get.pbLittle Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-48339108689884773982009-07-09T15:07:00.002-05:002009-07-09T15:14:50.729-05:00

My last outing with Jake and Ellie. Jake went back to learn to live with little Violet. Ellie stayed with us. She and Jake love to mix it up with puppy-wrassling. It's a lovely, noisy, scrappy affair, and it's all in fun, but too much racket for the baby's first week.Ellie's been to the river a lot this week, and there will be new photos soon, but for now:Bout a week now.

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-57643887949392714042009-07-03T15:22:00.001-05:002009-07-03T15:24:55.224-05:00

Welcome, Little Violet Meadow Johns.

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-52890929129923183692009-06-25T07:23:00.004-05:002009-06-25T07:37:37.390-05:00

Now that I commute 1 1/2 hours each way, each day, to work, it's a no brainer. I miss the River and I miss my Riverdog and my naps. It is beginning to look like it all is temporary.Both of my riders/drivers are looking actively for local work. Supposedly so am I. For me, it's all online; there is nothing in the newspaper for two days per week. Literally nothing, no want ads. Wednesday and

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-87765904266944658712009-06-16T06:45:00.003-05:002009-06-16T06:51:37.586-05:00

To Kitty Sling! Not what the manufacturer's had in mind. My SIL with the grandkitty, getting in practice for the real deal. Baby Violet Meadow Johns due in three weeks. pbLittle Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-88591740655808983322009-06-15T06:24:00.003-05:002009-06-15T06:27:56.746-05:00

BabyMama, alias MamaDog, showing off her healthy pregnancy. Our little Violet Meadow is due in about three weeks. This is at a baby shower hosted by her InLaws. Nice people.pbLittlePond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-23023746856554257972009-06-06T18:01:00.002-05:002009-06-06T18:09:52.902-05:00

There's a new mutt in town. Frank seems to be pure dachshund, and he's still a pup. Immediate tussling! The pup rolls over and gives Ellie his belly whenever it gets too rough. He's a rescue from the SPCA, where MammaDog is the Volunteer Coordinator. Frankie's mom is VeggieGirl, who's been wanting a dog for some time. Frankie is a bit of a handful, but he will settle in. Little jerk

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-27079434060830088922009-05-31T20:19:00.004-05:002009-05-31T20:23:44.932-05:00

Apparently, our river is a major flyway for these guys.More photos of these fellows here.pbLittle Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-41671323183341366562009-05-25T08:56:00.001-05:002009-05-25T09:00:05.821-05:00

Never Forget.

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-27309271069568507682009-05-23T08:55:00.004-05:002009-05-23T09:01:11.477-05:00

Shy little muguets hide in the shade behind the air conditioning unit. Notice the little back leg digging into poor Husband RJ's forearm. He's never quite succeeded in taking them out without some blood-letting. After a bit of a struggle, our little buddies are ready to watch for birds at the feeder station. VeggieGirl came by to wash clothes and hang them on an impromptu clothesline strung

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-74681206566761328382009-05-16T06:19:00.004-05:002009-05-16T06:45:18.943-05:00

I'm holding my hands about two yards (1.8 m) apart.Can't remember when the allergies hit me this hard. My throat hurts, my sinuses are swollen so large that they swell down into the roof of my mouth. And my lungs are filling with crud.Only good thing is that all the meds are killing my appetite. I will follow a strict regimen of small calorie doses to keep up the health, spread throughout the

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-30865219691444846702009-04-30T08:50:00.004-05:002009-04-30T09:03:14.192-05:00

This year the emphasis was on the practical. Paint sprayer, window washer or house washer. The kids got together and got me the pressure washer at left. Tested it out on the new Malibu. I'm a little afraid to use the maximum pressure nozzle, since they have so many caveats on it. I wound up scrubbing the bugs off the front and sides, but the rest was a piece of cake. Birthday cake, that is.

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-61581392900667631382009-04-27T10:58:00.005-05:002009-04-27T11:12:20.106-05:00

We are on vacation, and I've already taken the HuggaMutt to the river three times. We actually went down into the fishermen-only area that I call "Goose Point" yesterday. This is remarkable only because it was essentially inaccessible until recently, at least by those of us who are afraid to cross the trestle bridge. We were able to take the long way around the feeder creeks and find the spit of

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-50646555005447299022009-04-23T15:44:00.002-05:002009-04-23T15:55:29.633-05:00

Yesterday we were finally all in accord. All of us hate working in Binghamton, including our buddy who actually started out there, and was at least not unhappy to return.The first week I was called into the Star Chamber. You know, the place where there are two levels of supervisor and just one of you. I had said that I was afraid I was going to wind up not caring, because I was overwhelmed by

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-78396366369519722592009-04-12T12:06:00.002-05:002009-04-12T12:15:06.355-05:00

Saw this fellow while walking Ellie on Foster Island Easter Sunday. The shape of the bill makes me think it's a merganser, maybe a female.Go here for a series of eight photos. Unfortunately, the darned thing was backlit in the early morning sun, so I can't even tell you its colors. Good sized fowl, about as big as a goose.Any ideas?pbLittle Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-67604144799677284602009-04-04T15:20:00.002-05:002009-04-04T15:24:01.323-05:00

My debit card number was stolen over the internet and used. The bank called to ask if I ordered $1500 worth of merchandise from a bridal/promdress salon, and over $700 from the limited.com and (of all things...) $7.90 from Giant.com.Well, I hadn't, so they stopped payment on it all and will go after the culprit.So if you get a call about questionable charges, be sure to reply or call

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-65015662208267544842009-03-29T11:51:00.002-05:002009-03-29T12:00:03.744-05:00

The world is not so scary.I survived another week.Did get out for walking my granddog on the weekend. pbLittle Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-77568279403645556562009-03-28T06:04:00.001-05:002009-03-28T06:05:49.704-05:00

I miss visiting with you all.pbLittle Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-51092653429756785172009-03-17T07:47:00.002-05:002009-03-17T07:56:37.790-05:00

Expect fewer posts for a while, until I adjust.My first day impressions.pbLittle Pond

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-22234009998668545762009-03-13T07:07:00.002-05:002009-03-13T07:11:14.423-05:00

I am to bring my acceptance letter with me.It is considered a lateral move with same pay.There will be at least two hours of commuting everyday, in my 1995 Geo Tracker that is held together with duct tape. I did get an oil change, but don't have time for anything else.My nearest, dearest coworker is going to the Press Plant in Johnson City.We knew all sorts of bad things were on the way, but I

pbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11568681879593734160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12894268.post-44840930786560264632009-03-03T11:17:00.003-05:002009-03-03T11:20:30.330-05:00

this is Ellie's week at her other house and I must clean, clean, clean. One week with the doggie means one week with minimum cleaning. The next is catch-up time. We escaped the megastorm that messed up the East Coast, but we always have lake effect snow here, all winter long. That means our floors and carpets show salt the entire time. (In the spring and summer, Husband RJ tracks gardening dirt,

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