oct 31,2014

last night -- the first real board meeting-- up to this point it has been very casual-- but last night we got down to business and some decisions got made

i did not know we should carry insurance for the members of the board.. so i can do that today

colleen who started out saying she didn't know why she was there, ended up making some great suggestions about ppeople handling dogs on overnights... and came up with the idea of a video of things they do wrong...-- great idea..

.mark said we should get back to the payroll 941 and stop the 1099 form of payroll-- he is right-- and now that theresa is back at least 2 days a week, we can do that..

anne had alot of grant info 

and sheila seemed to understand what janine was talking about with developing the facebook kind of thing..

the finances-- we need to have an officiall cpa type-- and i had contacted that woman in burlington-- she was the only one who said "you don't need the $14,000 audit if the income was less the year before and after"  all the other accountants were ready to take the $14000- so i have her name and as soon as we get rid of qiucken and get quickbooks i will get her onsite to wave her hands over the accounting.in other words--

 we need to run this more like a business.

i can promise everyone, crazy acres will never manage to be that silky smooth business which is micromanaged by "blue suits"  ..... but some of those ideas should happen.. and the goal of it all is to free me for some more interesting facets....

**************

no one on the board seemed to be able to grasp how short of pups we are going to be in about a year.

at the moment we have no newborns,( which would be the class of fall of 2015at a year old...),, 

no female pregnant( for spring of 2016 -

 no female in heat ( for spring/summer of 2016) 

several expected to come in about december.. which would be born early march 2015 and a year old in march of 2016

we can stretch out the 11+4 we now have

, -- some of those will not make it.... we need pups. which is why i am looking in europe-- and i like the looks of a female in belgium that they will be breeding in the next few monthss...

 please do not anyone contact this breeder

twan is dealing with her---everyone else stay out .. please... -- i will attach the picture of the female-- she looks just like ours-- namely chaos and opal.

..*******
and with regard to the pups from netherland that twan has been working on,,

Hello Carlene,

Thank you for your nice mail.

Brianna has a golden character she loves everybody
I think Brianna will be in season next month.
When Brianna is in season I'll mail you immediately.
As  dad, I'm going to use a black male.

hedon I will use next year on my female Elkyra.

I will keep you informed
Natasja

*****************

A year ago today, Elsie and I prepared to leave SDP together.....for the first time. Sir Thomas came by to wish us luck, and we were off. Our time together has been amazing, funny and even weird along the way.

Let me share a bit. -I have not used my walker since Megan convinced me to leave it behind and trust her and Elsie. We took off for training at the grocery store and have never looked back! That alone has been such an incredible emotional improvement for me. 

-On two different occasions, people have offered to help Elsie, help me, because they assumed I was blind. (I did NOT even have sun glasses on!) 

-Elsie has pushed on me as I stumbled innumerable times, keeping me upright. -She's kept me from serious falls many times. In the past, that type of fall, left me with several fractured bones. -

My girl and I love each other. When she plunks her 10 pound head on my knee and stares at me, I'm reminded of a bumper sticker I have seen. "I wish I was the person that my dog thinks I am!" - 

Also....Elsie sits herself on my lap when I use the toilet. No one has done that since I had toddlers. -And finally, over the past year we have grown into a solid team. She has changed my life for the better in so many ways.

 Thank you to all who made that happen. 

 Jeanine Reilly & Elsie Chuppie Reilly

oct 30 2014
would you believe 316 left....

i need to run to home depot to get some red duct tape for out sign on the freezer...

the neutering of males---- requires very little recovery time compared to the spay job--- ziggy is here and has never blinked an eye.. nice dog--biggggg dog..

problem of the day is the freezer door--- it is supposed to have a heater in the doorframe-- i don't think it does.. or something.  needs attention ..and because of that i think we need to  get at that one bin of ben and jerry's ice cream...

 

project of the day... cut off that safety device from the wood chipper so we can stuff the frozen chunks in.    i think (Hope)  steve is back today...

and that's about all i can think of-- because  courtney has asked us to find a fabulous failure for a friend of thiers.. how big a name??-- big... well i at least recognized the name as one i had heard before- i thought he was a hockey player..

OCT 29 2014
  

WE MIGHT JUST MAKE IT  WITH 457 BRICKS TO GO-- AND I HAVE A BUNCH OF QUICK PICKS I WILL ENTER AFTER THIS DD.

 IF YOU ARE LOOKING OVER THE BOARD, I HAVE BEEN USING THE POKERCHIPS FOR THE PHOTOS FOR THE QUICK PICKS.. 

*****

LAST NIGHT'S MAIL CALL  CAUSED SEVERAL PEOPLE TO COME TO MY DEFENSE AS IT LOOKED LIKE THE TRIBE OF VOLUNTEERS  WERE PICKING ON ME WITH SOME   CHARADES  KIND OF THING.   REST ASSURED  IT WAS ALL IN GOOD HUMOR.. HAVING A COLD I WAS NOT MY VERY SHARPEST,  BUT AS SOON AS I AM BETTER I WILL GET BACK AT THEM ALL...

BESIDES  THERE WAS A DESIGN PROBLEM------I COULDN'T TELL WHO WAS THE WINNER.. THE PERSON WHO GAVE THE CLUES  OR THE ONE GUESSING -- AT ONE POINT THERE WERE 5 OF THEM AGAINST ME... AND INFIRM AS I  WAS, I HELD MY OWN TIL WE GOT TO WOODPECKER.... WHEN THE 5 OF THEM ILLUSTRATED ONE TRACK MINDS ALL AT ONCE.  MOST WERE OFF CAMERA--- THANKFULLY...

**********

PROJECT OF THE DAY IS TO FINISH THE  BULLETIN BORED ON THE FREEZER...

AND TO GET SOMEONE HERE TO DEAL WITH THE FREEZEER... IT IS PRODUCING ICE INSIDE BECAUSE THE DOOR DOES NOT QUITE SHUT CORRECTLY-- IT IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE A HEATING ELEMENT AROUND THE DOOR SO ICE DOES NOT BUILD UP...

I THINK THAT IS THE BASIC PROBLEM..  THERE IS A LARGE CHUNK OF DRIPPED ICE THAT SHOULD NOT BE THERE...

*********

I THINK WE MAY HAVE TO  USE UP THE 3 GALLONS OF  ICECREAM  

POOR US-- SUCH A JOB...

IT HAS TO SIT OUT FOR 2 HOURS BEFORE YOU CAN ATTEMPT TO SCOOP IT.

ANOTHER JOB IS TO REMOVE THE SAFETY ON THE WOOD/(MEAT) CHIPPER-- AND GET THAT OPERATIONAL

I THINK STEVE COMES BACK TOMORROW--- OTHERWISE WE WILL BE CUTTING BY HAND.

MY DRYER HAS DIED--- AFTER 30 YEARS  IT WAS ENTITLED TO RETIRE.

SEEING AS I HAVE LOST 2/3'S OF MY UNDERGARMENT WARDROBE, I NEED TO KEEP WHAT'S LEFT CIRCULATING.. ?HANG THEM FROM THE RAFTERS???  CAMERA PEOPLE WOULD LOVE THAT !!!

***********

CUTTING AND PASTING

Dear Carlene ,

 I'm taking time to write this letter to you and your team at SDP. So that I might express my appreciation to you and the staff at crazy acres farm. I remember when I first learned of the farm and the program. I ran into a woman , Donna and her service dog Denim while at stop in shop. I had no knowledge of the program but Donna was very friendly and soon filled me in. Donna felt that I might benefit from the program so she gave me SDP,s contact information. 

What an experience it has been from the start! My family and I have enjoyed every moment spent volunteering at SDP. We look forward to our visits with the dogs, staff and other volunteers every week. 

 Soon after our visits began I was paired with a service dog from SDP named Agatha. I spent a lot of time together and with her and I was excited as it was time for her to come home with me. 

All went well at first but alas it became clear that Agatha and I were not a very good match. Her personality and energy level were such that it was difficult for me to control her under certain circumstances. Although I loved her it quickly became apparent that we were not meant to be a pair. 

As we couldn't offer one another what we both needed. It pained my family and I greatly to make one of the hardest decisions of our lives , parting with Agatha. 

Soon after parting with Agatha I met Sienna another one of your angels. This time that angel and I meshed both physically and mentally like the cogs of a Swiss watch. From our first walk together it was apparent we were a match. We walk in sync we have the same energy level might sound silly but I feel we might even think alike. 

Funny enough the first day we walked together I was wearing grey head to toe and Megan and Paula thought Sienna and I were twins. 

 Sienna has made an immediate impact on my life providing me confidence plus physical and mental stability. And from what I hear Agatha is providing the same quality of life with her new partner which is all I could ask for. 

 Thank you so much for noticing that although we loved each other we were not meant to be and for finding my SDP soul mate. The program you provide and the lives you, your team and your pups provide is truly magical! 

 My family, especially I thank you, your team and all of the CPs out there for what you have provided us recipients, our families and all of the visitors at Crazy Acres/SDP!!! 

 Thank you truly Mariarose Famiglietti/ Sienna and family

OCT 28 2014

YOU ALL BROKE SOME KIND OF RECORD YESTERDAY  64 PEOPLE BOUGHT BRICKS..

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE FREZER TODAY-- I HAVE PLANS...  I AM REALLY PLEASED WITH MY ART WORK--- IT IS EXTRA SPECIAL  ( UNTIL YOU FIND OUT I TRACED IT. AND COLORED IT IN)

I AM HOPING SHEILA WILL BE AROUND TO WORK ON THE NEXT PART...

571 BRICKS TO GO   AND I WILL DO  THE QUICK PICKS THIS MORNING WITH MY SECOND CUPPA.

**********

YESTERRDAY I HAPPENED TO COMPLAIN ABOUT CHOKING WHEN  GRACE WAS WITHIN EARSHOT... AND SHE CALLED ME ON  COMPLAINING ABOUT ONLY ONE AILMENT - SHE WAS REFERRING TO THE SORE NECK OF LAST WEEK..

NOW REALLY------  THE RULE IS ONE AILMENT A DAY-- AND AT MY AGE-- ONE A WEEK IS N OT A BAD RECORD... AND SO FAR I HAVE NOT MENTIONED ANY MEDICATIONS-- SO I HAVE ONE  "MENTION" LEFT... AND THAT IS THE ANTI COUGH  STUFF THE DR GAVE ME... LIDOCAINE-RINSE AND SWALLOW.. SUPPOSED TO NUMB THE COUGH..

I NEVER COUGHED HARDER -- SO THIS BUNCH OF RN TYPES SUGGESTED I SMEAR IT ON MY ITCHY SPOTS- AND I CAN REPORT THAT TOO WAS UNSUCCESSFUL TOPICALLY - RESULTING IN A STICKY GOOEY MESS AN A FULL BATH.

SO MUCH FOR THAT SCIENTIFIC ENDEAVOR.

HEY -WE MIGHT HAVE DISCOVERED SOMETHING

ISN'T THAT HOW MANY   INVENTIONS ARE DISCOVERED??

AN UNSUSPECTED OBSERVATION LEADING TO SUCCESS??

SO I WONDER WHO NOTICED CHEWING ON  THE BARK OF A CERTAIN KIND OF TREE CURED HEAD ACHES WITH THE ASPRIN CONTAINED THEREIN.  THEY MUST HAVE HAD A HECK OF A HEADACHE TO BE CHEWING ON THE TREE IN THE FIRST PLACE.

AND WHILE I AM ON ACCIDENTAL DISCOVERIES.... HOW DID SOMEONE DISCOVER MASSENGILL DOUCHE ERASED THE SMELL OF A SKUNK ON A DOG..?

I WAS NEVER CONVINCED THAT IT WORKS-- SO IT MIGHT HAVE JUST BEEN AN ADVERTISING PLOY OF MASSENGILL-- PRETTY DARN STRANGE ONE AT THAT...

WHILE I AM ON STRANGE ADVERTISING.... CAN ANYONE EXPLAIN WHY THESE TRAIN COMPANIES ARE SPENDING ADVERTISING BUCKS ON TV... AND THERE IS MORE THAN ONE TRAIN COMPANY..  I THINK...  IT CERTAINLY HAS NEVER BEEN WITHIN MY LIST OF CHORES TO PICK ONE TRAIN COMPANY  OVER ANOTHER...  THESE ARE CHOO CHOO TYPE TRAINS--

AND THERE WAS ONE AD WHICH SAID THEY COULD MOVE ONE TON 500 MILES FOR 50 CENTS  OR SOME SUCH-- THAT I NEVER BELIEVED... SO I WONDER......

*****

I BETTER GET TO WORK---

 THANK HEAVENS FOR CUT AND PASTE...

*******

Dear Carlene and friends,

 

Most of you remember me as Ruckus.  I am a beautiful female who is taking care of an older gentleman who calls me Roxie.  I will tell you about my routine, a typical week of activities.

 

Weekdays I get up with the sun.  They let me go out and do my thing, then they take me to the park where we walk and occasionally jog a few lengths.  I’m not sure why they make me come because they are the ones that need to lose the weight.   I come home and have breakfast and it's time to go to work.

 

Either I go to the office or into the truck.  I prefer the truck.  I have two side windows, a back window that opens, a sunroof and the whole seat to myself, right near my owner.  I feel like a queen.  Then it’s off to the jobsites and more.

 

My favorite place to go is the bank because they give me treats.  My least favorite is Home Depot because I get harassed.  Everyone calls me a male or asks what I am, and I think why don’t you just look.   Then they all say "do you have a saddle, can I ride it, is it a Dalmation?"  My owner tries not to engage for long and just walks straight ahead but it is annoying to hear the same things every day.  I do like it when they say I am beautiful, which is quite often.

 

Sometimes my owner stops at the Chinese Restaurant for lunch.  That’s my time to sleep.

 

We finish the day by coming back to the office.  I get to lay around on my blanket and chew my bone.  This summer a few times in the evenings my owners went out to the yard and lit a fire by the pool.  I always hope he doesn’t fall there because I don’t do water. 

 

Weekends we do more walks and some short trips.  Last weekend we went to Martha’s Vineyard for the day.  I got to sleep in a restaurant named after a dog.  I didn’t like the boat rides.   They don’t even have a life preserver my size.

 

Sunday is my lazy day.  We may go to beach.  We sit in the car and they drink coffee. 

Then I get to watch football for twelve hours.  When I get bored, they let me out in the yard so I can chase squirrels. 

 

Love to everyone at Crazy Acres.  I hope all my brothers and sisters are doing well.

 

Love Ruckus

(as dictated to Larry)

********************

Hello to all,FROM ANOTHER LARRY
We had our first really bad experience with a restaurant in the French section 
of Montreal Canada. The sidewalk Crepe Shop was upstairs and after struggling to 
get up those 20 stairs the owner/manager came up. He took one look at DD and 
said things like "that isn't a dog", "I don't have to serve anyone but seeing 
eye dog people", "you don't have a disability", "what would my customers think", 
"you have to leave now" and he escorted us down the stairs and outside. I admit, 
I was humiliated, very angry, and totally stressed out. This resulted in very 
much increased MS issues ( increased fatigue, increased numbness in right foot 
and leg, difficulty walking the 2 blocks to the car, ringing in ears, tingling 
in right side of my body...). When Larry went to the local police, they said it 
was the Canadian service dog organization in charge of those issues! But in 
talking with them, they only help/intervene if it's one of their own trained 
service dogs. Lesson of the day: go with printed local service dog regulations 
in hand to stand up for yourself, then call police before leaving the business.

On a brighter note, It is a beautiful fall afternoon here in New York and I am 
grateful to be back home. We took another road trip to Idaho and Colorado to 
visit family. DD was as terrific as usual and now ignores the large trucks on 
the road. We laugh at her change of opinion of truck drivers at the truck stops, 
as she has developed a curiosity about truck drivers and wants to smell them as 
we walk by inside the truck stop stores/restaurants. She even will eat her 
dinner as we sit outside while trucks pull in and out of the truck stop. 
We have noticed three types of people on the road; those who can't keep their 
hands off her, those who admire close by, and those who are wary of her. It is a 
part of life to constantly educate the public regarding reasons to avoid 
touching and talking to service dogs. I relate it to a child having ADD and 
getting distracted so as to forget her job (must be the school teacher part of 
me and classroom experiences).  Anyway, she is a definite superstar everywhere 
we go; truck stops, church, hotels, restaurants, movie theaters, hospitals, 
doctors offices, airports/airplanes, buses, national parks, musical plays, 
department stores,... 
She is my sweet baby girl and we love her dearly for her disposition, service, 
and sense of humor. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all who had a part 
in raising and developing our amazing DD. She is my confidant, support, 
therapist, and comic relief.
Sincerely,
Karen, ANOTHER Larry, and DD

OCT 27 2014

786 BRICKS LEFT AND 5 DAYS TO GO    --- AND I HAVE A FEW QUICKPICS TO ENTER  SO WE ARE GETTING DOWN THERE....KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK... I AM TOLD PAYPAL IS A NICE ADDITION  --- I TRIED IT MYSELF AND IT WORKED

WE HAVE (MENTALLY ) DESIGNED A BULLETIN BOARD FOR THE FREEZER WHICH WILL GIVE A RUNNING TOTAL OF SOLD... I WILL WORK ON IT TODAY...SHOULD BE FUN...

I HAVE GOT IT AS FAR AS THE LIVING ROOM  WHERE IT STANDS A BETTER CHANCE OF GETTING DONE   NEXT TO THE FIREPLACE...

DREMMEL IS THE WORD OF THE DAY... MY FAVORITE- AND MOST USEFULL TOOL IS A DREMMEL GRINDER/SAW SORT OF THING-- THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH IT  IS IT HAS A TENDENCY TO HIDE.  ALL DREMMELS HIDE...

I WISH THEY WERE PAYING ME TO SAY THIS ... BUT  I HAVE A BUNCH OF DREMMEL THINGS AND THEY ALL WORK NICELY..  WHEN I CAN FIND THEM.

WHAT BRINGS THIS TO MIND IS BAILEY'S TOENAILS ARE DISGRACEFUL... AND IF I TAKE OUT THE NAIL CLIPPERS, SHE GLARES AT ME SOMETHING FIERCE... 

I DO HAVE A DREMMEL GRINDER.. ALL I HAVE TO DO IS FIND IT.

*************

SHEILA SAT AROUND LAST NIGHT DISCUSSING THE HOLIDAY PARTY  SHE USUALLY THROWS FOR CRANNEY EMPLOYEES.. I MUST SAY SHE HAS AN INCREDIBLE  KNOWLEDGE OF PARTY GAMES FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT QUITE SOBER.  I HAD NEVER HEARD  ABOUT THE ONE WHERE YOU CARRY A POTATO ACROSS A ROOM AND DEPOSIT IT IN A BUCKET.  SOUNDS SIMPLE ENOUGH... EXCEPT IT IS WHERE YOU HAVE TO CARRY IT THAT IS THE CHALLANGE..  I  THINK SHE CALLED IT TURKEY SQUAT....

*******

NOW FOR MY  ACCOUNTING // TAX PROBLEMS  OF THE DAY-- 

I HAVE NOT PAID MUCH ATTENTION TO THIS COLLECTION OF PAPERWORK IN YEARS... THERE ARE TOO MANY WORDS FOR ME TO UNDERSTAND...I JUST LEFT IT TO " THE ACCOUNTING FIRM"----   WHO NEVER FILED NY STATE TAX.

  I AM  PAYING MORE ATTENTION  NOW....

NY STATE HAS BEEN VERY KIND IN ACCEPTING ME AS A CANDIDATE FOR THIS VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE BIT -- WHICH ALLOWS ME TO STRAIGHTEN OUT 3 YEARS AND GO FORWARD...--  

MY PANIC HAS BEEN THAT  UNTIL I SAW ALL THE 14 SHEETS OF PAPER PER YEAR THAT I HAVE TO FILL OUT, I WAS NOT SURE NY STATE RECOGNIZED CHARITY DONATIONS... FORTUNATELY THEY DO-- AND I AM IN THE CLEAR.. I THINK.. I NEED MY 2013 IRS FORM--- AND  I FIND IT IS NOT DONE YET....

PROBLEM BEING THE ACCOUNTING FIRM HAS NOT DONE 2013 YET-- AND WHEN YOU HAVE A  CREDIT BALANCE FORWARD THE IRS DOES NOT SEEM TO MIND..

HERE'S THE RUB... MASSACHUSETTS  DOES NOT ALLOW DEDUCTIONS FOR CHARITY-- SO  EVEN WITH  QUARTERLY  ESTIMATE PAYMENTS, I AM PROBABLY IN TROUBLE WITH MASSTAX.

I REALLY HAVE HAD NO TROUBLE DEALING WITH THE IRS THRU MY SOMEWHAT COLORFUL PAST.    WHEN YOU THINK YOU ARE RIGHT-- AND STICK TO YOUR GUNS, THEY HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO BACK OFF.

NOT SO WITH MASSACHUSETTS..

THEY ARE HATEFUL.

 TO BE CONTINUED...

******

IT WAS DECIDED THAT MAKING LISTS AND PAPERWORK IN GENERAL IS DETRIMENTAL TO THE CREATIVE PROCESS.

**********

THE REPORTS CONTINUE TO COME IN ... THANK YOU  !!

***************

Hi Carlene.

Can't watch mail call with HeyDawg around. We were watching and listening recently. Hey was reacting to your scary voice. He got off his couch and was looking for you behind the computer. He was also reacting to your dogs in the background barking. He soon began barking at our computer every time one of your dogs barked. When he got off his couch and started barking louder, we had to shut you off. Sorry.
Woof,
Hey, Gay & Jerry

OCT 26 2014

CHICKEN BRICKS ARE OVER 50%  GREAT--- AND I AM TOLD PAYPAL DOES WORK NOW...I WILL GO BUY A BRICK MYSELF TO TEST IT NEXT...

MAIL CALL/PARTY TIME --  WE HAVE DISCOVERED BEN AND JERRY'S PARTY VAN -- COMPLETE WITH  A VARIETY OF FLAVORS AND REAL WHIPPED CREAM... WE ALL PILED IT ON...  AND AGAIN GOT TO KEEP ONE FLAVOR-- NOW WE HAVE 2  ?3 GAL IN OUR WALKIN FREEZER-- THE BEN AND JERRY'S WOMAN TOLD ME IT TAKES 2 HOURS OUT OF THE FEEZER TO BE ABLE TO SCOOP..

THIS IS A VALUABLE PIECE OF INFO..

KEEPING IT AT  MINUS 10 DEGREES ALSO KEEPS US FROM PRE-SCOOPING A MOUTHFULL TOO OFTEN.

IHEART WAS LED ASTRAY LAST NIGHT BY THE CREW-- WENT TO SALSBURY TO SING AT SOME BAR????KARY OKE??  THE PICTURES SEEM LIKE THEY HAD A GOOD TIME..

SCIENNA WAS HERE FOR MAIL CALL--- AND MARIE REPORTS SHE IS DOING PERFECTLY--- VERY INTERESTING... SOMETIMES THE MATCH DOES NOT "CLICK" ---- MOST OFTEN IT DOES, BUT THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW...   AGATHA DID NOT CLICK WITH HER , BUT  IS DOING FAMOUSLY WITH BRYAN..   

OTHER EXCITEMENT-- EARLENE AND PAUL TOOK CHAOS HOME FOR AN OVERNIGHT... THEY DIDN'T STAY FOR BEN AND JERRY'S BECAUSE  CHAOS HAD ALREADY JUMPED IN THEIR TRUCK -- VOICING HER DESIRE TO GO WITH THEM.... SO THEY LEFT WITH HER...

************

AND BLESS THE CUT AND PASTE !!!

*************

Carlene,

It hasn't even been 24 hours since Dolly and I have been home. She has settled in so nicely. I can't help but to have tears streaming down my cheeks as I write this. Just a bit hard to see the keys ;' ) 

I don't even know where to start... As we walked the steps leaving the Guest House yesterday my husband said Dolly and I did a great job for our first, lone trip, down them. She supported me using no railing at all. She is so great! She loaded into the back of the SUV without hesitation. On the ride home she was unbelievable!!! She slept most of the trip. She would occasionally pop her head up and make sure I was still there and then go back to sleep.

When we got home she investigated the whole house. Was not quite sure about some helium balloons that were still floating from my birthday. She quickly realized she was okay. I heard her get up and walk to the foot of the bed to check on me several times during the night. She is such a good girl  <3

I have heard everyone at SDP talk about how essential it is that the Danes bond to their recipients. I came there hoping that Dolly would bond with me. What I never expected is the way that I bonded to her in such a short period of time. My heart feels like it is litterally overflowing... 

I can't wait to be able to write and share with you and all of your VERY special people, who do such an amazing job with these Big Furry Friends. I know this is going to change my life in big ways... It has already begun.

You Guys Are The Best,

Brenda and Dolly 

GOAL OF THE DAY--- "MAKE A BULLETIN BOARD"  FOR THE SIDE OF THE FREEZER SO WE CAN KEEP TABS ON THE CHICKEN BRICK PROGRESS.....

THERE ARE STILL A BUNCH OF PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO DON'T KNOW HOW DEPENDENT WE ARE ON  $10 CHICKEN BRICKS... SO KEEP AFTER THEM...

OCT 25,2014

BIGGIES FROM YESTERDAY  

 IHEART ARRIVED  GIVING US YET ANOTHER REASON TO HAVE A PARTY-- AS IF WE NEEDED ONE....  BUT WITH THE HULA SKIRTS, IT WAS FESTIVE-- AND SHE DOES NOT SEEM EXHAUSTED... YET... SHE SLEPT WITH THE PUPS-- OR MORE CORRECTLY SHE LAY AROUND COVERED WITH A PUP OR TWO...

AND EARLENE ARRIVED-- UNANNOUNCED-- I YELLED FOR CHAOS WHO NEARLY CAME OUT OF HER SKIN WITH DELIGHT !!

*****************

ONE DEFINITION OF INSANITY IS THAT YOU CAN NOT TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PAST AND PRESENT...

I AM HAPPY TO REPORT EXPLORE IS NOW DELIVERING THAT SITATION ONLINE...

APPARENTLY... ( WHAT DO I  KNOW???)  THE NEW RED LINE UNDER THE  HOUSE CAMERA IS A TIME LINE AND IF YOU WANT TO WATCH WHAT HAPPENDED AN HOUR AGO, YOU MOVE THE LITTLE RED BUTTON--- NOW... YOU HAVE TO POKE THE RED "LIVE" BUTTON TO GET BACK TO THE  CURRENT/PRESENT --- IF YOU FORGET, YOU HAVE YOUR LITTLE INSANITY MOMENT WHERE YOU CAN'T TEL IF THE ACTION IS HISTORY OR CURRENT,

IT DID GIVE ME A CHANCE TO RE WATCH THE EARLENE ARRIVAL

AND HERE ARE THE CUT AND PASTES

************************

GOOD MORNING CARLENE!

JUST WANTED TO GIVE YOU AN UPDATE ON MY GIRL LYDIA..

SHE CONTINUES TO DO WONDERFULLY! WE TAKE DAILY WALKS IN THE MORNING AND THANKFULLY THE SQUIRRELS ARE GETTING MORE SCARCE, OR HAVE MOVED TO ANOTHER LOCATION, GRATEFUL FOR THAT!!
FOR THE MOST PART PEOPLE ARE JUST AMAZED BY HER, AND ALWAYS COMMENT ON HOW BEAUTIFUL AND WELL BEHAVED SHE IS. PEOPLE ACTUALLY HAVE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING TO YELL AND TELL ME HOW BEAUTIFUL SHE IS!

I HAVE RAN INTO A COUPLE PEOPLE (MEN) WHO WILL LITERALLY WALK IN THE STREET TO WALK FAR AWAY FROM HER AS WE'RE WALKING ON THE SIDEWALK..APPARENTLY THINKING EITHER THERE IS NO WAY I COULD CONTROL HER, OR PERHAPS THEY COULD HAVE BEEN IN THE CONVENIENCE STORE THE  MORNING  I WALKED IN, THERE WAS A RETIRED POLICE OFFICER, AND A DETECTIVE IN THERE (WHOM I KNOW ) SO I WALKED IN WITH LYDIA AND STATED "THIS IS A DRUG SNIFFING DOG, I HOPE EVERYONE IS CLEAN"..THE POLICE BOTH LAUGHED, AS DID A FEW COSTUMERS .. MAYBE THESE MEN WERE IN THERE, WHO KNOWS, BUT IT MAKES ME SMILE WHEN THEY AVOID WALKING BY US  :~)

"WE" HAVE PHYSICAL THERAPY EVERY WEEK AND SHE CONTINUES TO BE AN ANGEL IN THERE. SHE DID FABULOUS AT MY APPT. I HAD AT DARTMOUTH HITCHCOCK MEDICAL CENTER AND WAS A BIG HIT! SHE WAS SO WELL BEHAVED! MY NEURO ASKED TO TAKE A PICTURE OF HER, AS SHE SAID SHE WAS SO DISTRACTED BY HER..SHE JUST WANTED TO MUSH HER FACE, BUT REFRAINED.. :)
I DID HAVE TO HAVE SOME NERVE TESTING AS WELL AS AN EMG WHILE THERE, THEY HAD ME LAY ON MY SIDE FACING THE WALL, SO I HAD PUT LYDIA IN A DOWN STAY, AND I OBVIOUSLY COULDN'T SEE HER..MY NEURO HAD ACCOMPANIED ME FOR THIS TEST AND WAS SITTING IN A CHAIR WHILE I WAS HAVING THE TEST DONE. AT ONE POINT DURING THE TEST I HEARD THE WOMAN DOING THE TEST SAY, "ARE YOU MAKING SURE I DON'T HURT MAMA"? I SAID, WHAT IS SHE DOING? SHE SAID "SHE HAS HER CHIN ON MY SHOULDER"!! BUT SAID SHE DIDN'T MIND..I TOLD LYDIA TO LAY DOWN AND STAY, SO SHE WENT TO MY NEURO, LAID NEXT TO HER WITH HER CHIN ON HER KNEE, WHICH SHE DIDN'T MIND EITHER..
I DO HAVE TO GO BACK NEXT MONTH AND WILL HAVE TO BRING SOMEONE WITH ME TO STAY WITH LYDIA AS I HAVE TO HAVE MRI ON BOTH LEGS, WHICH WILL TAKE QUITE A WHILE AND SHE CANNOT GO IN FOR THAT.

I HAD A DENTIST APPT. YESTERDAY AND SHE DID FABULOUS THERE!! THE HYGIENIST ASKED HOW OLD SHE WAS AND WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZED AT HOW WELL BEHAVED SHE IS, SO OF COURSE I TOLD HER ABOUT THE AMAZING ORGANIZATION SHE CAME FROM!! SHE STAYED ON HER BLANKET WHILE GETTING MY TEETH CLEANED AS WELL AS WHEN THE DENTIST CAME IN TO TAKE A LOOK. GOOD AS GOLD!

MY YOUNGEST SON AND I HAVE BEEN BRINGING HER TO A VET'S "DOGGIE DAYCARE" WHILE IT'S CLOSED ONCE A WEEK SO SHE CAN RUN AND PLAY WITH HER HUMAN "BROTHER" IN A SAFE AREA..SHE LOVES IT! SHE IS HYSTERICAL, AND WHEN SHE'S DONE, SHE JUST WALKS UP TO MY SIDE AND LOOKS AT ME AS IF TO SAY, OKAY, I'M DONE MOM..

SHE IS A BIT BETTER WITH THE FEAR OF BAGS ISSUE, WHICH IS WONDERFUL. THE ONLY ISSUES I HAVE HAD ARE WITH PEOPLE WHO JUST CAN'T SEEM TO KEEP THEIR HANDS OFF OF HER. I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND PEOPLE WHO DON'T UNDERSTAND HER BODY LANGUAGE..I MEAN WHEN YOU ARE REACHING FOR A DOG, A LARGE DOG, AND THEY ARE BACKING AWAY, SHAKING SCARED, AND YOU CONTINUE TO REACH TO TOUCH HER, I JUST DON'T GET THAT!! SO THAT IS WHEN I HAVE TO GET UGLY I GUESS.

I DID SPEAK TO SOMEONE ON THE LOCAL RESCUE SQUAD ASKING HOW I COULD GO ABOUT EDUCATING THEM AS WELL AS THE PD AND FIRE DEPT. REGARDING THE ADA LAWS ETC. HE TOLD ME THEY ARE A VERY "DOG FRIENDLY" SQUAD AND IF I COULD BRING IN A PICTURE OF MYSELF WITH LYDIA WITH INFORMATION WITH HER NAME ETC. SO "IF" ANYTHING EVER HAPPENED THEY WOULD HAVE IT. HE SAID HE WILL HAND IT OUT IN THEIR MEETING. SO THAT, I STILL HAVE TO DO. HE HAPPENS TO LIVE NEXT DOOR AND LYDIA LIKES HIM SO THAT'S A PLUS :D

I DID BRING HER FOR A WALK ONE DAY AROUND OUR HOSPITAL TO WORK WITH HER BACKING UP IN TIGHT SPACES THING. SHE DID PERFECTLY WITH THAT. WE WALKED DOWN A COUPLE HALLWAYS AND ALSO TOOK THE ELEVATOR. WE DID SCARE THE DAYLIGHTS OUT OF THE EMPLOYEE WHO HAPPEN TO BE IN THE ELEVATOR WHEN THE DOOR OPENED. THE WAY THE DOOR OPENED, SHE COULD ONLY SEE LYDIA FIRST. SHE JUMPED ABOUT A FOOT OFF THE FLOOR, AND I APOLOGIZED AND WE JOINED HER ON THE ELEVATOR. SO OF COURSE SHE HAD SOME QUESTIONS, AND WAS FASCINATED WITH THE FACT A GREAT DANE WAS BEING USED AS A SERVICE DOG.
WHEN WE CAME BACK TO THE LOBBY WE VISITED WITH THE "GREY LADIES" (GREY LADIES, WHO CAME UP WITH THAT NAME?) SITTING AT THE INFORMATION DESK, WHEN A VERY TINY ELDERLY LADY CAME IN THE DOOR WEARING A TRENCH COAT, HAT AND BLACK GLOVES ON. SHE WALKED RIGHT UP TO LYDIA, ALMOST EYE TO EYE WITH HER, SHE PUT HER HAND UNDER HER CHIN AND SAID WELL AREN'T YOU A BEAUTIFUL BOY..AGAIN, LYDIA TOOK THIS IN STRIDE, SHE PET HER NECK AND WALKED AWAY.

WE ALSO HAD FAMILY PICTURES DONE, I WILL SHARE A COUPLE OF THOSE WITH YOU AS WELL AS SOME FROM HER PLAYING.

ALL IN ALL, SHE IS WONDERFUL AND A BLESSING IN MY LIFE EVERYDAY, AND FOR THAT I THANK YOU, AND ALL  WHO WORK AND VOLUNTEER AT SERVICE DOG PROJECT! THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!!

STAY SAFE AND BE WELL,
ANNETTE & LYDIA 

******************

We have been so very busy with our move to Oklahoma that we have had little time to update you about Casper. I apologize for that. 

When we first got here there was so much freedom for Casper with his first fenced yard that we had some trouble with recall at home. It was very frustrating and we were unsure how to solve it because he was not a treat driven dog. Well, we found treats he likes and now he is amazing at his recall! Even if the neighbor dog is outside barking he will come for a cookie. 

Out and about he is perfect, as usual. The big change is how accepting people are of him here. In Connecticut at least one person everywhere we went either gave us the stink eye or tried to pet without asking. Here everyone is super welcoming and fascinated. We have had much fewer people reach out for him too. There was a BIG exception at a craft fair when a woman reached UNDER and AROUND Dan's arm to pet him. She is lucky we were in too much shock to really tell her off. 

The most important part of this email, though, is how much Casper misses you! I will be sending this story to Explore.org to share themselves because it is really so sweet. 

We were watching your speech today and Casper heard your voice. He immediately came to watch what what was happening, but it was on Dan's phone so he really could not see it. He laid down at Dan's feet and cocked his head to one side, then the other. It went on and on like this for minutes. It was the cutest look on his face! He got up a few times to try and look again then went back to the head cock. Finally he stood up and started talking. I swear he was trying to tell Miss Carlene hello and let you know he is being a good boy, and so is daddy! 

It just goes to show you how your love for these guys goes so much farther than their amazing training. You are in their hearts just as much as they are in yours. 

Hope everyone at SDP is well. 

Best Wishes, 

Dan and Lauri

oct 24 2014

boy did i get emails from recipients

i have einough to last me a week ( not a bad thing)

here goes the first-- all i can say is 

lynne and renee-- go get 'em

HI CARLENE,

WELL, YESTERDAY IT WAS 11 MONTHS AGO THAT I BROUGHT IVY HOME AS MY SERVICE DOG.  EVERYTHING IS GOING SO WELL.  OF COURSE, WE ARE BOTH STILL LEARNING.  THIS IS AN ONGOING PROCESS BUT ONE THAT I CHERISH EVERY SINGLE DAY.

I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH A VERY BAD EXPERIENCE I HAD THIS PAST WEEKEND.  I HAD A MEDICAL EMERGENCY WHICH REQUIRED DREW CALLING 911 TO GET AN AMBULANCE TO COME AND TRANSPORT ME TO FALMOUTH HOSPITAL.  THE AMBULANCE STAFF WOULD NOT ALLOW IVY TO GO INTO THE AMBULANCE WITH ME STATING THAT THEY HAD NO WAY TO RESTRAIN THE DOG.  I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT SHE WAS A SERVICE DOG AND DID NOT NEED TO BE RESTRAINED.  STILL, THEY WOULD NOT LET HER INTO THE AMBULANCE.  THIS NOT ONLY STRESSED ME OUT, BUT IVY MORE SO.

THEY SAID SINCE DREW HAD A TRUCK THEY COULD TAKE HER TO THE HOSPITAL TO MEET ME IN THE ER.  THIS WAS DISHEARTENING TO NOT ONLY ME, BUT DREW AND IVY AS WELL.  DREW SAID WHEN THE AMBULANCE DROVE OFF THAT IVY WAS EXTREMELY STRESSED OUT.

WHILE IN THE ER, DREW ARRIVED IN THE ER WAITING ROOM WITH IVY AND TOLD THEM I WAS THERE.  THEN, A VOLUNTEER CAME INTO THE ER AND TOLD MY ATTENDING NURSE THAT MY HUSBAND WAS THERE WITH MY SERVICE DOG.  WAS IT OK FOR THE SERVICE DOG TO COME IN.  APPARENTLY, EARLIER IN THE DAY, SOMEONE ELSE CAME IN WITH A SERVICE DOG AND THE EXPERIENCE FOR THE ER STAFF WAS VERY UNPLEASANT.  THE "SUPPOSED" SERVICE DOG WAS JUMPING ALL OVER PATIENTS, NOT OBEYING COMMANDS FROM THE OWNER AND BEING EXTREMELY DISRUPTIVE IN THE ER.

WELL, I HAVE TO SAY, THE COMPLIMENTS I RECEIVED FROM THE ER STAFF REGARDING IVY WERE SUPERIOR.  THEY PUT DOWN WARM BLANKETS FOR HER AND SHE JUST STAYED IN HER DOWN STAY THE WHOLE TIME I WAS THERE.  I AM SO PROUD OF HER, AS YOU AND EVERYONE AT SDP SHOULD BE.  SHE IS A TOTAL ROCK STAR IN OUR EYES.

I WAS EXTREMELY HAPPY WHEN I WAS REUNITED WITH IVY WHEN DREW BROUGHT HER INTO THE ER WHERE I WAS BEING TREATED.

THESE PEOPLE NEED TO BE EDUCATED ON WHAT SERVICE DOGS DO AND WHY THEY CANNOT BE SEPARATED FROM THEIR HANDLERS.  NEEDLESS TO SAY, IT WAS A VERY TRYING DAY FOR IVY, DREW AND MYSELF.

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK YOU ARE DOING AT SDP AND FOR HELPING PEOPLE LIKE ME WHO NEED THESE SERVICE ANIMALS TO GET US THROUGH OUR MOST TRYING TIMES.

WITH MUCH LOVE,

BETTY, IVY AND DREW TINGLEY

****************

Hi Carlene. 

Harry potter and Beth here.  We have been keeping busy with work but always find time for some fun! There was a bit of a cookoff event here and Harry went to show off his great skills in crowds. We ran into some great people/and veterans and handed out several cards. A dog trainer working for a local dav chapter thought Harry was just wonderful and we will be emailing about promoting SDP! He was a total star and we hope that we brought in some new fans and followers for the group. It is adorable how when Harry hears a video of Megan he just lights up! He is amazing with voices. hers will get him every time. He tends to be funny when strangers try to get his attention and he flat out ignores them. He has such a funny personality . We can't wait to head back up there to see everyone again. It has been far to long to be away from home. While Harry still won't get on a couch, he still has so much he wants o show you so you can see what a great boy he is!-   

Harry and Beth

Dear Carlene,

I am one who is remiss in writing to you. I never know what to say.

Fiona is doing well and I love her dearly. We do the chicken donor wall together each month.

Fiona is there for me every day and in every way. 70% of Parkinson's patients experience depression, but although I have had depression in the past, I do not have it now.

I attribute this to Fiona who keeps my energy up and is my wonderful companion.

She is really funny. She does not like the Service men who come to the house. I explain to them that they have to wait until she comes to them, but they don't listen too well.That is when I use my exasperated voice and there is no question.

Fiona loves going to the hair salon, where she greets everyone coming in and the hairdresser just love her. I did not take her once and I thought that they were going to throw me out.

We play cards every other week and she goes around the table sniffing everone's hair then lays down for 3 hours! They say that they do not know she is there.

Fiona and you are so prescious to me and I promise to write, even if it seems like there is nothing happening, but she is there for me everyday and in every way, what more could I want to write about.

Fiona and Mary Lou

P.S. So many people take pictures of her when we are out, it is amazing, but she is a pretty, pretty girl

now i can go ride around on my new golf cart !!!!!

OCT 23 2014
HERE'S me and the fruit fly speech

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8omQId0DTE&feature=youtu.be

GEORGE SWIPES/SCRATCHES  AT THEM ONLY TWICE-- MY COUNT WAS MORE LIKE 5

************

HOW COME NO CUT AND PASTE   REPORTS TODAY?????

HOW COME WITH DONATING 70 DOGS TO  RECIPIENTS DO I HAVE TO BEG  FOR REPORTS????

COME ON YOU LOT..... !!!~  

LYNNE GETS THE DAY OFF BECAUSE SHE GAVE A LIVE  BIT LAST NIGHT WHICH WAS VERY GOOD... SO GOOD THAT THEY CONTINUED TO RUN IT ALL NIGHT-  BUT THE REST OF YOU..... 

GRRRRRRRRRRRR,

COULD BE IT IS MY FAULT FOR NOT INSISTING-- OR MAKING THE DUE DATE DEFINITE.. NEXT VOLUNTEER WHO I S LOOKING FOR AN INSIDE JOB   COULD HELP WITH THIS..

HOW ABOUT... IF YOUR LAST NAME BEGINS WITH A THRU J   YOUR REPORTING DATE IS THE 10TH OF THE MONTH    K THRU   P IS THE   20TH  Q THRU Z  THE 30TH---    AND IF YOU DON'T ,....DON'T ASK ME TO SIGN YOUR  YEARLY RECERTFICATION-- WE WORKED HARD TO DONATE THESE DOGS TO  YOU...  THERE ARE ADI MEMBERS WHO ARE CRITICAL OF US FOR NOT CHARGING  MANY THOUSANDS FOR THEM--

CASE IN POINT-----  ANY OF OUR RECIPIANTS WHO LOOSE A DOG ARE MOVED UP ON THE LIST FOR GETTING A NEW ONE...   I HAVE A WOMAN WHO GOT A WONDERFUL DOG FROM US--- WAAAAAY BACK  IN 2005 OR 6--  JUST LOST THE DOG, NOW IS FINDING HOW MUCH THE DOG DID FOR HER AND WANTS ANOTHER...  SHE IS A VERY BRIGHT WOMAN-- AND DELIGHTFUL COMPANY---  BUT------ AND IT IS A BIG BUTTTTTT-  SHE IS A "SNOW BUNNY"  TYPE-- SUMMERS IN MAINE AND WINTERS DOWN  SOUTH-- GOING UP AND DOWN RT 95 MANY TIMES A YEAR-- AND ONLY STOPPED IN HERE ONCE.   I REMINDED HER SEVERAL TIMES....  WE ARE 2 MILES OFF RT 95  I MAYBE HAD  8 EMAILS FROM HER IN THE 10 YEARS.  i am sure the dog had a wonderful life with her----  I HAVE A  FRIEND WHO LIVES IN THE SAME TOWN IN MNAINE AND HE USED TO REPORT... BUT........

SOMEHOW THERE IS SOMETHING I MISSED IN COMMUNICATING WITH HER.  THESE ARE TEH "CHILDREN " OF OUR VOLUNTEERS AND CAMERA PEOPLE... TO HAVE ONE JUST DISAPPEAR

IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.  THESE ARE NOT ITALIAN SHOES OUT OF MACY'S....

SO ALTHO I EXPECT TO BE GETTING A DOG FOR HER EVENTUALLY, I HAVE TROUBLE REMEMBERING HER NAME---- yOU KNOW WHat senior memory is like--

**************

TWO BITS OF EXCITEMENT FOR THE DAY....

TEH NEW  GOLF CART IS TO ARRIVE BETWEEN 9 AND 10  WEATHER PERMITTING ( AND I AM TOLD WE HAVE TREES DOWN IN THE STREET- BUT OUT DRIVEWAY IS CLEAR SO FAR...)  MANY THANKS TO THE 3 DONORS WHO FUNDED IT... I WILL CERTAINLY  ENJOY IT... AND MY GREEN ONE CAN BECOME THE "BEATER" WITH THE TOOLS ON IT...

I NEED TO CLEAR OUT A DRY PLACE FOR THEM TO WORK-- BECAUSE IT IS SHIPPED WITHOUT THE TOP--- THE  GARAGE IS A POSSIBILITY IF IT DOES NOT STINK OF OLD BEEF---  THE DOOR HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR WEEKS  NOW...

OR THE HORSE ALLEYWAY/ ARENA IS PROBABLY A BETTER CHOICE.....

******

EXPLORE IS SENDING A NEW TECH TO SEE IF WE CAN IMPROVE ON  THE PICTURE A ND SOUND TYPE PROBLEMS... HE IS DUE HERE SOMETHIME THIS MORNING...   SO EXPECT CAMERA   STRANGENESS.

*****

 AND I OBVIOUSLY NEED TO REDESIGN MY LAUNDRY PROCEEDURE... LAUNDRY BAGS DID NOT CUT THE MUSTARD  BECAUSE I COULD  NOT THROW THINGS IN THEM FROM ACROSS THE ROOM... GETTING RID OF THE GOODWILL INDUSTRY PILE WOULD BE HELPFUL-- AND JUST MAYBE I HAVE TO GO TO A LAUNDRY BASKET SCHEME

I WILL GO TO  WALMART AT SOME POINT TODAY

IT IS ALWAYS GOOD TO AT LEAST DRIVE AROUND THE BLOCK IN MY CAR.. I AM ENJOYIN G IT SO...  TO BE ABLE TO PRESS ON VARIOUS PEDALS AND HAVE THE CAR DO AS EXPECTED IS   SUCH A JOY !!  EVEN IF IT DOES TELEPHONE RANDOM PEOPLE BY MISTAKE NOW AND AGAIN...

I HAVE EVEN BEGUN TO ASSUME THE BLINKER LIGHTS WORK... THIS IS NEW TO THE CARS I HAVE DRIVEN.

oct 22 2014

MY FLUFFY HAIRED SIDEKICK   HATH  RETURNED .. TOTALLY UNEXPECTED SHEILA ARRIVED AT MAIL CALL YESTERDAY..

IT IS A HUGE RELIEF TO HAVE HER AROUND-- SHE IS A BIG HELP-- STUFF SHE JUST CAN NOT DO LONG DISTANCE..   BESIDES.... SHE IS MY EXTERNAL MEMORY DEVICE. 

 PERFECT EXAMPLE OF WHY SHEILA  IS SO CRITICAL...

TAKE THE DOG FOOD PROBLEM   ...UNBELIEVABLE  DEAL... WALMART IS THE CHEAPEST PURINA AROUND-- AND IT IS POSSIBLE TO ORDER12 BAGS A DAY TO BE DELIVERED FREE.  SO 2 DAYS IN A ROW... I ORDERED 12 BAGS

ALL SOUNDS FINE SO FAR????? WELL " THEY "  DIDN'T DELIVBER IT... FEDEX DID-- AND FURTHERMORE IT WAS PACKAGED IN CARDBOARD  CARTONS-- NOT EVEN SIMPLE  CHINESE CARDBOARD-- BUT TRIPPLE THICK--- BIGGER THAN A 50 POUND BAG-- THE FEDEX TRUCK WAS FILLED TO THE BRIM WITH THESE  24  BIG BOXES-- SO WE UNPACKED EACH BAG  GIVING US AN UNBELIEVABLE PILE OF 24 HUGE TOUGH CARTONS WHICH IN MY WORLD WERE BEAUTIFUL "BUILDING MATERIAL" FOR WIERD M AIL CALL PROPS.... AND ALL I COULD DO WAS  COLLAPSE THEM  AND STORE THEM AND AWAIT SOMEONE WITH ENOUGH IMAGINATION AND :"LATE IN THE DAY"  ENERGY TO DEAL CREATIVELY WITH THE PILE..... SHEILA

LIKE THE KEN ROBERTSON TED TALK.. IT IS ABOUT CREATIVITY.

I HEAR THERE ARE RUMORS THAT SHE IS BACK BECAUSE IT IS NEAR THE DATE OPAL WOULD HAVE HAD PUPPIES... NOT TRUE... SHE IS BACK BECAUSE HER DAUGHTER IS HAVING SURGERY FRIDAY---- IF OPAL MANAGES TO KICK OUT ONE PUP IT WILL BE TOTALLY UNEXPECTED-- I DON'T THINK THERE IS ANYTHING IN THERE.

************

AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN  

SOMEONE WHO SHALL REMAIN NAMELESS-- OR OUR GHOST FRIEND-- GOT HELPFUL AND TOSSED OUT 2 TRASH BAGS FROM MY ROOM- THAT CAN BE THE ONLY REASON ----AS OF THIS MORNING.... I HAVE NO UNDERWEAR,... AND RELATED ITEMS. THERE ARE NO BAGS OF TRANSPORT FROM DRYER TO ROOM AND  THE DRAWERS ARE EMPTY-

I AM SURE -- AS MUCH AS ANY 77 YEAR OLD IS SURE OF ANYTHING, 

I HAD 2 BAGS FULL-- AWAITING DISTRIBUTION TO THE 3 DRAWERS ALLOCATED TO ME.-- AND THEY ARE GONE.  TRACY EVEN WENT AND SEARCHED...  I HAVE THE FEELING PAM IS LOOKING AYT ME A LITTLE CROSSEYED WONDERING IF I THREW THEM OUT MYSELF-- WHICH I DON'T BELIEVE... WHATEVER REASON-- THEY ARE LONG GONE.

SUCH IS LIFE AT CRAZY ACRES..

BACK TO WALMART--- I NEED THE LONG UNDERWEAR AS JUST ONE MORE BARRIER BETWEEN ME AND THE PUPPY TOENAILS.

*************

I AM DELIGHTED WITH THE MATCH --- TUUKKA-- (AKA AGATHA)  WITH BRYAN--- HE IS A VETERAN  LIVING IN A GROUP HOME OWNED AND SUPERVISED BY  #2 PAM. EVEN WITH THE PROBLEMS BRYAN HAS, HE HAS AN INSTINCTIVE HANDLING OF A DOG THAT  MADE THIS MATCH POSSIBLE.

 HERE IS PAM#2's  REPORT

Hello Everyone! 

Tuukka and Bryan are doing really well!  Bryan cried all the way home like a new dad with his baby and can't believe how perfect she is.  He even sends me text messages about what she looks like while she's sleeping or how her ear twitched.  Very sweet, but let's face it folks, give me a break!  :)  She is a very loved baby, that's for sure!  She is controlling herself with the squirrels...they went for a walk and saw three - one she didn't even notice and the other two Bryan told her to leave it and she did...what a good girl!!

When we left your place on Friday we stopped to get her some things for the house and she picked out the biggest bone she could find in the store.  When we got home Bryan brought her in the house and gave it to her and she immediately started chewing so he thought he had her busy enough to go out and bring the things in from the truck....fat chance of that!  Even with that giant delicious bone, as soon as Bryan left the room Tuukka was right behind him...the heck with the bone where's my dad going!  So, back on with the leash and out the door with Bryan to empty the truck.  Took longer to finish the task with her tagging along but at least she was happy.   Everyone that knows Bryan noticed an IMMEDIATE difference in his overall demeanor - he's so much more relaxed and comfortable.  Bryan even notices a difference.  He said he's no longer afraid of having seizures (which results in less seizures).  He is on a normal schedule now because of Tuukka which is already making a world of difference! 

Thank you for everything you do!  You are an awesome group of people!

I will definitely keep you updated!

Love, Pam.

oct 21 2014
I THOUGHT I HAD SEEN IT ALL- 

 SOME DARN FOOL HA SPENT AN AWFUL LOT OF MONEY RE3DESIGNING A FLY SWATTER---  I  CAN NOT IMAGINE WHY, BUT THIS SWATTER HAS A REINFORCED HEAD WHICH PROHIBITS THE FLAP FROM WEAKENING MID SWING.. IT ALSO  PUSHES MORE  AIR AHEAD OF IT, THUS PUSHING THE FLY OUT OF THE WAY.

THIS BEING THE TIME OF YEAR WHEN  NOT ONLY THE RATS AND FERAL CATS COME IN OUT OF TH ECOLD,.... FLYS DO ALSO--- AND THEN THEY TRY AND FIND A WARM SPOT... LIKE IN YOUR NOSE--  AND TEHY ARE SLUGGISH... IF ONE DECIDES TO LAND ON YOUR ARM, CHANCES ARE IT WILL NOT GET TOO FAR AWAY AND WILL BE BACK THAT SAME SPOT TIL YOU PICK UP YOUR DEFECTIVE SWATTER-- THEN IT IS GONE AND UN-SWATTABLE-

I HAVE ALWAYS WONDERED IF ANYONE HAS TESTED THE IQ OF A FLY.

***********

I AM TOLD WE ARE IN FOR A NOR'EASTER-- FOR WHICH I NEED A SOU-WESTER RAINCOAT.

***********

HOPEFULLY IT WON'T START TIL NOON... RYAN---( MEGAN'S SISTER'S  WHATEVER  THEY ARE CALLED ..?BOYFRIEND? EXCEPT HE IS A MAN)  RYAN  IS A HUGE ADDITION-- WORKING HERE BEFORE SOME JOB SOLIDIFIES..  YESTERDAY HE PUT CORREGATED ROOFING ON THE END OF THE T TENT--- SOUNDS EASY--- BUT THE RAFTERES WERE PUT UP IN A RUSH ON A SUNDAY WHEN WE COULD NTO FIND THE T SQUARE OR A MEASURING TAPE  SO HE HAD TO ARTFULLY RE-POSITION SOME OF THE RAFTERS TO FIT UNDER THE 26" CORREGATION.

ADDED PROBLEM--  I NEED TO GET MOE PANELS-   5 PANELS  26" WIDE DID NOT COVER 10'

MINE IS NOT TO REASON WHY, MINE IS JUST TO GO BUY MORE.... QUICKLY

******

HE GOT   THE 3' X 6' RENDITIONS OF BUSH , CLINTON, AND PEROT HUNG IN THE ARENA-- BUT IT NEED REPAIR-- PEROT IS SAGGING...  PRETTY FUNNY.. BECAUSE.... IN THE PARADE IN SALEM MASS WHERE I HAD THE 8 DONKEY HITCH PULLING THE 4 FLOATS  ( BUSH CLINTON PEROT AND A 4TH WITH BUCKET AND SHOVEL AND SIGN "THEY ARE ALL FULL OF SH#T")  AS WE CAME INTO SALEM SQUARE ONE WHEEL FELL OFF THE PEROT WAGON AND WE HAD TO PULL THE PIN AND LEAVE HIM BEHIND--- KIND OF LIKE HIS WHOLE CAMPAIGN...

**************

ALL OF A SUDDEN I AM FACING A LONG LIST OF THIGS TO DO  BEFORE FALL... AND  THEN FALL FELL.... LEAVING ME WITH THINGS LIKE BOTTLED WATER THAT NEEDS OT GET INSIDE SOMEWHERE--  THE POWER SPRAYER  AND THE "MISTERS" HAVE WATER IN THEM...  THINGS LIKE THAT.

BLESS BUD- WHO HAS ALL THE FIREMAKING STUFF READY-- I GET A FIRE GOING AND DON'T WANT TO GO OUT AND DEAL WITH THE "BEFORE FALL"   STUFF... EVEN IF THE TRACTOR HAS AQ HEATED CAB.

*************

WILLIAM HAS SENT US THE COMPLETED 13 PHOTO'S FOR THE CALENDAR-- AND AS GOOD AS TEH 2014 CALENDAR WAS-- I THINK THIS ONE IS BETTER..  HOPEFULLY WE CAN GET IT DONE AND FOR SALE SOON....

IN THE MEANTIME --- THANK YOU TO ALL THE NEW COMERS ON THE CHICKEN BRICK WALL

THIS IS REALLY A CO OPERATIVE UNDERTAKING--- WITH OUT THAT WALL , WE WOULD NOT SURVIVE  SO PLEASE-- CONTINUE TO TRY AND GET PEOPLE INVOLVED AND BUYING THE $10 IF THEY CAN--- IF YOU CAN FIND ONE MILLIONAIRE TO BUY OUT THE WHOLE THING... EVEN BETTER...

*****

I HAD A PHONECALL TELLING ME AGATHA  IS DOING WONDERFULLY WITH BRIAN ( VETERAN IN A GROUP  HOME)

ACTUALLY I DID NOT HAVE A PHONE CALL,  I FELL ASLEEP IN THE NICE WARM CAR IN THE PARKING LOT WHILE WATCHIG THE ROOF PROGRESS----, AND WHEN MY HEAD HIT  THE STEERING WHEEL IT CALLED  PAM--  WHO GAVE ME THE REPORT...

*****

 THAT CAR IS WAY OVER DESIGNED

LIKE THE FLY-SWATTER.

oct 20 2014

late start -- enjoying my new shower.... with water...

i think  i finally figured somethinn out--   i know i have another showerhead somewhere.. i have alot of other things somewhere... what happens is i go and buy something---( today it is breakfast bars that are missing...)  i come home--and something is happening which demands my attention-( often  like running to the rest rooom) and some helpful soul unloads my car for me--  they don't know where to park thisgs so i can sort and deal\  so they stash things in the overflow room-- actually in one of several overflow rooms--

then i, in my advanced age- cant find something,and assume i must have forgotten to buy it - and go buy another...  this is a self perpetuating problem.

i know i bought those breakfast bars-- to try and get away from my favorite breakfast of broiled trout and eggs over medium- i really think i bought 3 small boxes of them- and they are gone.

  i don't think i can get out to buy more today because my head does not turn either way.    saturday i got hit in the head with a 4x4 post-- consequently by sunday  i could not drive anywhere that involved "looking left"  but i made it to  home depot ( all right hand turns)

today i can't turn either way-- so i guess  i will have to stay home and eat trout ( which by the way i get from omaha steak....  i don't care for their steak, but the trout is great -- the lasagna is perfect for 3 people, and the  cut corn is an easy fix too.)

i have the speech both george and i gave... it is fun to watch us deal with the fruit flys-- he was much more casual about it than i--- and i did not know they were all over the room- i thought it was my new hairspray..apparently i shold be able to transfer it to ?cloud as soon as the computer literate crowd arrives...

the only part i forgot was to suggest anyone training anything, watch the movie miracle worker about  blind and deaf hellen keller's discovery of communication.

things are moving fast around here-- several dogs out on overnights--- and i can't ell that litter apart..which would be fine if they were all the same temperment and training---  but they are miles apart- and not interchangeable...

oh that i had megan's memory....

OCT 19 2014

HAPPY 19TH---I SUPPOSE I SHOULD SET GOALS FOR TH E19TH...LIKE DO SOME SPECIFIC CHORE THAT I JUST NEVER SEEM TO GET TO--- LIKE UNCOVER MY DESK-- WHICH IS NO FUN

MAYBE TODAY I COULD GET TO HOME DEPOT THIS MORNING AND GET MYSELF A NEW SHOWER HEAD-- YOU HAVE NO IDEA THE ONE I HAVE NOW...ON THE END OF A 8' HOSE...- BUT FOR SOME REASON IT IS NOT A SHOWER, MORE LIKE A  A DRIP 'n DRIBBLE.. THE PROBLEM IS... WATER DOES COME OUT OF IT-- SO I MAKE DO-- AND AROUND HERE IF  YOU CAN MAKE DO, IT IS PERMANENT.

WHICH IS SORT OF LIKE THE COLOR OF THESE BUILDINGS.... STARTED OUT ALL ORGANIZED-- NICE BRIGHT PURPLE BARN SOFT YELLOW TRIM--- BUT THEN WE NEEDED MORE PAINT-- AND I GUESSED AT THE COLOR MATCH... SO WE ENDED UP WITH SOME NEARLY NICE PURPLE AND BRIGHT YELLOW...- AND AT HOME DEPOT THEY HAVE A $2 A GALLON MISTAKE RACK-- SO TO DO THE NUMBERS AT DOG FEST, I BOUGHT A GALLON OR TWO OF THE "OFF " COLOR RACK...

 LIKE A BLUE GALLON.

AND TO DO THE NUMBERS I BOUGHT A FEW OF THE SAMPLE JARS TO DECORATE NUMBERS AT  DOG FEST.

 

YESTERDAY WE WANTED TO PAINT THE RED TOOL SHED--- AND THE MOST PAINT WE HAD WAS THE SOFT YELLOW--  BUT IT WAS NOT ENOUGH-- NEITHER WAS THE BRIGHT YELLOW-- PUT TOGETHER WE HAD A LETTLE OVER A GALLON

YOU HAVE TO GET THE PICTURE---  WE NEEDED MORE THAN A GALLON FOR TWO SIDES AND YOU CAN'T MIX A HEAPING GALLON OF ANY FLUID...  SO ANNIE AND LINDA  STARTED AT ONE END  AND AS THEY USED SOME, I ADDED AND MIXED MORE OF THE  BRIGHT YELLOW.. WHICH STILL MIGHT DO THE 2 SIDES... SO WHEN THEY GOT TO THE CORNER  I DUMPED IN A FEW OF THE LITTLE JARS WHICH VAGUELY RESEMBLED YELLOW- AND CAREFULLY SRIRRED IT UP WITH THE FLY SWATTER WHICH HAD JUST STIRRED THE LAVENDER TRIM ( WHICH HAD STARTED OUT BLUE WITH RED ADDED.)

SO 2 SIDES OF OUR TOOL SHED ARE VERY INTERESTING--- PERSONALLY I CAN NOT SEE THE DIFFERENCE-- BUT I AM SURE IT IS THERE...

TODAY WE COULD PAINT THE 2 BACK SIDES OF THE SHED--WE HAVE A GALLON OF BLUE-- AND ALOT OF SMALL QUANTITIE WHICH FROM MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE FRONT 2 SIDES...  1 GALLON IIS NOT ENOUGH FOR 2 SIDES.  

AT THE MOMENT I WOULD GUESS THE BACK WILL BE SOME SHADE OF BLUE-- AND THE END FACING THE BARN GETS THE REST OF THE COLORS ALL DUMPED IN TOGETHER AND STIRRED WITH THE FLY SWATTER

ALSO I  WAS THRILLED TO BE ABLE TO PROVVIDE LINDA  WITH HER FIRST PAINITNING EXPERIENCE-- SHE HAD NEVER PAINTED BEFORE-- CAN YOU IMAGINE????  ANKLE ANNIE WAS A PRO--- AND BY PUTTING JACKIE'S HUSBAND UP IN THE BUCKET  OF THE TRACTOR - WE GOT THE HIGH PARTS DONE BY ADDING SOME "CREAM COLOR" TO THE MIX.

NOT A PLACE YOU WANT TO WORRY ABOUT PERFECTION-- 

OR INVITE OSHA FOR A VISIT EITHER.

BUT IT WILL GET A COAT OF PAINT.

I AM TOLD ADDING ENOUGH COLORS TOGETHER YOU GET BLACK..

WE WILL SEE--- I HAVE THA T BLUE AND ABOUT 10 CUPS OF A VARIETY OF COLORS LEFT.

I WILL NOT BUY MORE PAINT AT HOME DEPOT

IT IS AGAINST MY RELIGION... UNLESS THEY HAVE 2 MATCHING GALLONS OF YELLOW ON THE $2 RACK.  THAT WOULD GIVE US A SECOND COAT ON THE 2 FRONT SIDES AND I WOULD STILL SCREW AROUND WITH THE BACK 2....

IT IS MY NATURE.

ALSO IT IS WHY I AM NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THE DROOPING MOBILITY ON THE SIDE OF THE COA VAN---  IT WOUDL BE NICE BUT... THOSE LETTERS DO NOT COME OFF EASILY-- SO THAT FAX GETS PUT ON THE BACK BURNER.

*************

I WAS  DELIGHTED TO HEAR FRM A CAMERA PERSON  WHO TOLD ME WITH GREAT AUTHORITY THAT  IN BRAZIL THEY HAVE  THE SAME SITUATION WITH BRIDGES THAT WE DO ON THE CAPE AND  THE DIRVERS COPE WITH NO PROBLEM...  THURSDAY  ONE BRIDGE GOES OUT  BOUND AND SUNDAY IT GOES IN BOUND.   SHE SAID IT WORKS WELL.

HOW COME WE CAN'T DO THAT???? 

MAKING ME WONDER HOW MANY CAMERA PEOPLE WE HAVE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE EQUATOR????  CAN WE GET A COUNT????

OFF   TO HOME DEPOT----FOR A SHOWER HEAD,. 

CONSULT TOMORROWS DD  TO SEE IF I GET THERE...

OCT 18 2014
FIRST REPORT  BUD WAS THE PERFECT DRIVER-- WE DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING, WE GOT THERE, AND I  WAS SO RELAXED I ALMOST SLEPT WHILE HE DROVE.. HE INHERITED THE PROJECT OF TRYING TO GET BENTLEY TO PEE--( BENTLEY WOULD HAVE NO PART OF THAT AND DIDN'T TIL 12 HOURS LATER AT HOME)

THE AWARD CEREMONY WENT FINE--- I DID MAKE IT THRU IN 18 MINUTES-  THE EXCITING PART WAS, THERE WERE FRUIT FLYS--- EVER TRIED TO THINK WHILE BEING BOMBARDED WITH A FEW FRUIT FLYS???  IT REMINDED ME OF THE SCENE IN ? FATE IS THE HUNTER? WHEREE THE PILOT IS LEARNING TO FLY AND HIS INSTRUCTOR STARTE D LIGHTING MATCHES RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIS NOSE TO SEE IF HE CAN STILL CONCENTRATE..  I THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS ME--- WITH SOME HAIR SPRAY I DON'T USUALLY USE.. BUT WHEN THE SECOND PERSON GOT UP SHE COULDN'T STAND AT THE PODUIM AND STEPPED ASIDE.

BENTLEY BEHAVED VERY WELL...WORKING THE CROWD A BIT...

MORE THAN ONE VETERNARIAN THERE COMMENTED ON WHAT A GREAT DANE SPECIMIN BENTLEY  WAS--- AND HOW FIT...

BUD AND I DECIDED WE REALLY OUGHT TO REDESIGN THE TRAFFIC ONTO AND OFF THE CAPE--  IT NEEDS SOME ATTENTION.. WE SAT FOR A GOOD HOUR  IN ROLLING TRAFFIC AT THE BRIDGE--- TURNS OUT--- ALL THAT FRIDAY OUTBOUND TRAFFIC HAD TO SQUEEZE INTO ONE LANE TO GET OVER THE BRIDGE--- WHILE THE INCOMING TRAFFIC- MUCH LIGHTER ON FRIDAY --HAD 2 LANES ALL TO THEMSELVES..

IT IS AN ORANGE BARREL SELLERS DREAM TO ADJUST THAT FOR THE DAY OF THE WEEK...

 AND THEN WE THOUGHT MAYBE MAKE ONE OF THOSE BRIDGES ( THERE'S TWO)  OVER THE CANAL BE ONE WAY OUTBOUND ON THRUSDAY THRU SAT  AND INBOUND SUNDAY MON TUESDAY

AND BLESS THE GPS-- WE NEVER WOULD HAVE GOT HOME WITHOUT IT.

BACK TO WORK....