Misc. Idle Chit Chat - Part II (The Sequel)

[nezza]

Thank you, Kian. I try not to be offensive...but realistic and straight forward, with a touch of witt I'm glad you liked it. I just started it so, we'll see where it goes from here.

A new pup? How exciting!!! And from such a good line!

I'm sorry if i rush through this...i'm literally about to head out the door to work. I will post more this evening when i get home.

[kian]

I have a blog, I haven't done much with it since everyone joined FB. I did bookmark yours.

I keep thinking a puppy....why? I can leave the house for 6-7 hours and they both do great. Two dogs are cheaper than 3 and easier to manage. This is why I have been working so hard with Ice to get him titled so I can start a Female. I have so many dog friends here in the club, most have at least 3 dogs. At the shows, many of the pros will enter 3-5 dogs at a time. The show circuit is something to behold, I do enjoy it. The litter won't come till January and then won't be ready for 9 weeks, that will put it after our travel month in Feb. We are headed to Texas, possibly South of Cancun as well. That one isn't for sure at this point, that one is the trip for Managers paid for by OH's work. He isn't sure we will go this year. The Texas is the Purina Product Show, his work will pay for most of that, which is nice. We will be going to the Rodeo with Cyndy (dachunds rule) and seeing Toby Keith! We will be there a few days early to explore the area, I'm excited as I just love Texas!

The man with the Yorkies in poor shape did surrender the pups to my friend who is with a Puppy Mill rescue. She knows how to work with these special needs puppies. It was amazing to watch them when she put them in with her other rescues in the pen. They perked right up, it was sad watching one of them try to nurse. She was obviously looking for mom. Now I need to find a dog for this man, I plan on educating him before he gets another dog. I will do my best to set him for success.

[nezza]

Kian, thank you! I love writing. Back in high school, i was on the newspaper and i really wanted to write for a living...i guess, i'm stretching my legs now after a loooong time away

I understand your dilemma of getting a new puppy, when you have Allie and Ice so well trained already...to go through it all again with a brand new pup is a bit of a challenge! You seem to like a challenge though, so, i think this is right up your alley I'm sure the show circuit is quite an experience to see! I would just love to see that one day. All the chaos and excitement! It must be an adrenaline rush, for sure.

You are going to have a wonderful time in Texas with Cyndy! Sorry you might not make it to Cancun. But, please take lots of pics in Texas!!! I would love to see them!!! Oh, and Toby Keith!!!! Woo Hoo!!

I'm glad to hear the yorkies are doing better with your friend. The poor little things. It's just so sad what happens to them. People can be so cruel. It makes me so angry.

Well, the temps have dropped again. I have a feeling it's going to be a COLD winter. One of Persie's brothers keeps coming over here around 5 in the morning and starting a fight with him. I'm guessing Persie has the upper hand, because, the scuffles are never long and he's never worse for wear. I'm wanting to keep him in the house more, but two things...he's not neutered yet and we just CAN NOT have him spraying the wood all over the house and secondly, he just doesn't want to stay in here. I can get him in, small increments here and there, but after that he just gets very uncomfortable. I know, it's time for a neutering...and it's gonna happen soon!

[JaymeK]

Oh man oh man oh man, a puppy!? I'm so excited for you!

The roomies and I are planning on moving to a house that's a BIT bigger (extra 200sq ft) and has a little fenced yard next year. It is a townhouse, but the catch is it isn't built yet. It's about a ten minute walk from where I am now, so I know the area because I walk Benson there all the time. The only catch is it isn't finished! It would pain me to sign a lease on a house that isn't even built, but I know what it will look like and I just hope nothing goes wrong!

The important part is the landlord is okay with pets! I'm currently hiding mine from our landlord, although he is extremely nice and very easy going, I think he prefers no pets. Though he did catch me with benson once. Oops.

I keep finding myself on petfinder looking at puppies and even grown up dogs! I have these times where I think "I could handle another dog, it's about the same as one dog, just more expensive". Because I'd LOVE for Benson to have someone to play with! But I'd be so tied down with two dogs and two cats. I can't travel with the cats and need to get them booked in a "cat hotel" ASAP for christmas. Then I think what happens when I'm out of school? If I work 8 hours a day? If I have to move across the country?

It's all kind of unknown territory. I'm torn because I KNOW I shouldn't get a dog, my parents would kill me and money would be tight, but I still want one so badly! Definitely jealous of you kian:)

[kian]

Jayme it took me a long time to get to a point where I could handle more animals. I tried to have a cat in college, it didn't work out well. Patience and one day you will get there! Hiding Benson, that is funny. A brand new townhouse would be very nice. How long till it's built?

Nezza soon you will have Persie tame enough to be inside. I too wouldn't want a male cat spraying in the house, that is why I have always had females. He sounds like a wonderful cat, perfect match for you. I went to Lowes today and did a double take, there was a lady who could have been your twin!

Today was a beautiful Fall day, I actually got some outside lights and garland up. I did take time to sit in pasture and play with the dogs while the goats were out grazing and the two hens were hanging out. The donkeys threw a fit, they wanted out to! I did talk to our neighbour and he lost all but one chicken to the fox. He is bringing out a secure pen for them in the morning and will be getting more chickens. He had his tame as well, he was bummed out. It's a learning curve for us, we have to learn to live with the wildlife here and protect our own animals.

I took a walk through the far pasture and found tons of feathers...it was sad. The goats followed me which I love. The pasture right next to us has sheep, goats and a Llama. The girls didn't seem to care, they wanted to hang with me. I love Farm Life!

[nezza]

Ladies, it's cold outside, this morning! BRRR!!!

Kian, i laughed when you said you saw my "twin"...i've actually had many people ask me if i have a "twin". Or people will say...."You look so familiar, i swear i've seen you before." Are there doppelgangers of me?

I do believe Persie will be cuddling up with Waffles in the house one day. I could rush it, but, i'm taking it easy with him, mostly because he's not neutered yet. Watching him play outside is a lot of fun, too. He did certainly pick the right home

I know how sad it is to find the feathers, kian They are so defenseless. But, i'm glad you enjoyed your day in the pasture with the girls. And getting some Christmas decor up!

I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week already! When the time starts flying...it really goes! Weather here is going to be in the 60's, fairly comfortable. I do have to work in the morning...just 6 til 2...which isn't bad. My OH will DVR the Macy's Parade for me, and he will be busy cooking all day.

Jayme, a brand new townhouse sounds wonderful. Hopefully you won't have to wait to long until it's finished being built. I know all about puppy fever...but it really is a huge task.

[JaymeK]

Kian, sounds like a lovely day.

Benson and I went for a hike today. We got a little muddy but oh well. He's fast asleep at my feet now, along with the kitties.

I didn't find out until a few days ago when I would be off work for christmas, so I'm struggling to find a kennel for the cats. It's a four hour drive back home and my dad said that the cats were never allowed at the house. Also, we have a non friendly cat at home so I'm sure it would stress them out a lot to be moving around and driving so much.

However, everywhere I've called is completely full for the holidays. I'm now looking in BURLINGTON, which is out of my way and will add probably a half hour at least to my already long drive. I won't look in toronto (where I'm sure there are tons of cat boarding places) because the last thing I want to do is drive into toronto at the start of an already long drive.

I won't pay just a sitter to come because the last time when I was only gone for three days I came back to a mess and some unhappy cats. I can't trust them alone, they just get in to too much stuff!

I kind of chose a crappy time to go home, it's the exact week where all the kids go on break from school, so of course everyone is taking off! Very frustrating. It wouldn't be the most horrible thing spending christmas alone (I'll have to get used to it at some point in my life), I think I'd just be bored. I have about 3 1/2 weeks off from school, so that'd be a month of sitting at home. And of course I'd tell Tara (my employer) that I wasn't going home and she would invite me to their family's christmas. But I'd hate to impose. She also invited me to thanksgiving when I thought I wasn't going home, but again, these holidays are for families, not for babysitters haha.

Hopefully I can find a place. I've sent a few emails. There is one place in guelph that is a cat hospital, not my first choice, but they aren't even open again until monday! I'll have to wait and see!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Jayme, I hope you can always go home for the Holidays until you are making your own Holidays in your own home. I'm sure the family for whom you sit feels you are a part of their family, and I think it's sweet that they wished to include you. I am quite sure you would NOT be imposing.

I've been lurking, but haven't had time to post much lately. Good luck finding a place for the Cats. If you can swing something locally, that would be best. Since you may have to drive out of your way, have you looked into Cambridge or even Kitchener. I know that's going backwards in a way, but it might be an easier in and out situation than trying to get over to Burlington in holiday traffic. It is nightmarish on the 401 at that time of year. It's too bad the people for whom you babysit can't take care of your cats while you are gone. That would be a win/win.

Elliot had a PA day on Friday and for some reason, I keep thinking today is any day but Saturday! I thought it was Friday earlier, and/or Sunday.

I hope everyone is well, and that my American friends are looking forward to their Holiday week! I wish we had one Holiday that was set up to fall on a Thursday so we could create a five day weekend. Family Day in February in Ontario is about as close as we come to an extra long weekend in the year.

[kian]

I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving! I just found out my dad is coming for the weekend, that makes me happy. Most of the decor is up now, makes me feel less stressed.

Nezza that is sad you have to work, sometimes it can be actually fun! I don't know how you can do it, smell all that good food and have to wait. I wish we had your resturant here, I love that place. It's a good feeling that you will come home to a cooked meal and the parade! I do need to re-hook the DVR!

We only have Golden Corral or a place called Furrs open on Thanksgiving, I would like to go out to eat. I might check up in Durango.

Jayme I hope you can find a place, is there a place closer to your parents? It's frustrating to say the least. I remember your bad experience with the last sitter.

Deb what is a PA? Family day sounds like a wonderful day to celebrate! Having a Thursday holiday is nice. I can't believe some stores are opening for Black Friday on Thursday, I knew it was a matter of time. I will be helping OH with his Black Friday starting at 7am, I have fun doing that. Done by noon and the rest of the weekend is mine to spend with dad.

[nezza]

Kian, how nice to have your dad for Thanksgiving!!

The job i do on Thanksgiving is a fun one! I'm on the "Meals To Go" team. We put together the bulk meals, that people have ordered in advance, and send them out a "make shift" drive-through out the back dock of the restaurant. There's about 5 of us that get to do this...and, it's hectic, but a lot of fun. Plus, i'm still home by the afternoon...with PLENTY of time to enjoy the holiday with my OH. Most people have to serve on Thanksgiving...and that is one job i DO NOT WANT!!!! There is a 4 hours wait for a table and people are not happy...and it's really not worth aggravation...to me, anyway.

My sister ordered her turkey from Golden Corral this year...being SO pregnant (she's due on December 21)...with 4 other kids to deal with...and a house full of people to feed (my parents and her in-laws)...she figured this would be an easier way to handle the turkey. My mom and her are still going to be making a bunch of sides and desserts, though. I wish i was going to be there with them!

I think it's a shame that Black Friday is starting on Thursday night for so many stores. This country needs to get back to "family" and putting family values first and above all else! It really makes me sad and angry at the same time. It's just not right.

[kian]

Just a quick Hi, I'm off to make some dinner!

Nezza that part of the job sounds like a lot of fun. I think being a Hostess would be really hard, people want to eat! Last night we went with two other couples out to eat, it was so much fun. We laughed so hard and nearly closed Chilis down. It's great to go out with other couples, this hasn't been a bad move. We have made friends here like we did back home, they are fun people! Having good friends to out with makes this world so much easier. Us ladies are planning a ladies day out, we will try on funny hats, do crazy girlie stuff like we did when we were teens and go out to eat. I can't wait for that day!

I won't promote those stores, I refuse to go out on Thanksgiving, it's sad.

[JaymeK]

I do feel bad for anyone who has to work the extended "black friday", I'm sure it is very stressful. I'm happy I got out of retail before the christmas season! Pier 1 said they would like to have me back as seasonal but I didn't really like the job. I wasn't trained properly and I'm afraid of heights, so I dread using the ladders!

Deb I took your advice and looked in KW, but there doesn't seem to be many kennels there...I wish the family I work for could take them, but their son is allergic and they have a hunting dog! She lives for chasing squirrels so I don't think cats would be a welcome addition! I had a friend from school offer to take them (his family fosters cats), but I worry about stressing them out in a whole new home. Also, they are destructive and have already torn down my garlands. I hate to think what they would do to his tree and wrapped christmas presents!

Part of the reason of wanting to board them somewhere close to here is I don't want to travel with them! They meow the whole time in the car and it's just very stressful for all.

A PA day is a "Personal Activity" day. It's usually a Friday and the kids get one per month I think or something like that. It varies by school district.

[nezza]

Kian, sounds like you had a great time at Chili's! When you find friends like that, you're very fortunate. That's how the OH and I are with our friend couple Mike and Jen. Every time, it's a good time A ladies night sounds wonderful. I haven't had one of those since i left Florida.

Like you, i will NOT be promoting those stores that are choosing to have no respect for their own employees or families trying to celebrate what should be a very joyous holiday meant to be with loved ones! Unfortunately, it seems like we are in the minority, otherwise, these stores wouldn't be doing what they're doing.

Today was another beautiful day. In the 60's and sunny. I spent the afternoon reading a magazine on the porch, the OH had his own...Persie and the chickens were playing in the leaves. Waffles was playing and snoozing in the sun. Days like these are to be cherished

[kian]

60's are a wonderful temp to enjoy! Good friends are needed in life for sure, without them life would be lonely.

Jayme I so hear you with the meowing cats in the car. We moved long distance with two and it was a long time before they settled and quieted. There are calming meds to give them to ease the stress should you find a kennel closer to your parents home. I'm not sure how far the drive is? Thanks for the PA info, never heard of a such a day. We don't have those here in the States.

I hate climbing ladders as well Jayme, retail is hard work. Any customer service is demanding.

Nezza a part of me is curious to see how busy those stores will be, I have a feeling they will be. It' a matter of time before Thanksgiving disappears for employees and they are forced to open and work all day on Thanksgiving. Sad where this world is headed.

Today we talked about another couples night next month with the same group. It's great to have friends that think the same way you do, have a great sense of humor and love to eat!

We received news on Marks older brother, he is in bad shape. He has so much blockage in his arteries and are now awaiting to hear from the surgeon. He is a smoker and doesn't take good care of himself. He does work hard and is no way a lazy man, just lazy in taking care of himself. Last time we saw him I commented to OH how his brother looked so drawn and thin. The scary thing is strokes run in the family, his wife is very upset and concerned.

OH lost a sister years ago, she was a heavy drinker, would never admit to being a Alcoholic, but she was and a heavy chain smoker. I'm so glad neither of us smoke or drink, with OH's family history, it has been advised not to. We are hoping his brother will pull through.

[JaymeK]

Kian, I'm very sorry to hear about your OH's brother. Is the artery blockage from eating bad foods or from the smoking?

My dad has been smoking since he was 14. I honestly think it's a miracle that he's turning 60 in Jan and hasn't developed cancer. They say it's the length of time you've been smoking that is the biggest factor, as opposed to the number of cigarettes per day.


Small rant/story ahead (feel free to skip over!)

I was out walking benson this morning around 6:30am. Usually there's only one or two people out that early. About 30 seconds into our walk we ended up behind a lady with two small dogs. Her dog stopped to have a poop so I figured I'd pass them since we were walking pretty fast anyways. The dogs were on a flexi leash and we hadn't seen them before so I got to the edge of the sidewalk (the lady was on the grass towards the road) and I put Benson on the other side of me away from the dogs. He pretty much does that himself now because he is pretty wary of dogs he doesn't recognize as many of them aren't nice.

Anyways, we gave them a wide berth and all of a sudden one of the dogs starts going crazy and barking. The lady first tries 'reeling' it in then somehow lets go and the dog has full freedom to come running at us. It ran behind me and Benson then skirted in front of my to try to get away, the dog followed him and long story short I ended up tangled in the stupid flexi leash. Those ropes are small so it was digging in pretty badly and I was pretty upset.

I realized quickly the dog wasn't a threat (he just stood in one spot once he got tangled and barked, but no growling). The lady is going "Sorry, sorry he's not my dog." And as usual when someone's dog goes for Benson I said "No worries", then untangled myself and tried to continue on my way. That's when HER dog actually tried to snap at Benson from behind and of course he tried to bolt.

Urg. Just so frustrating. I don't know if any of you use these flexi leash things but I think they're horrible. There have been numerous occasions where a dog has gotten too close for comfort to Benson because the owner can't reel it in. I think they should be banned in urban/suburban areas for everyone's safety. They're great for trails so your dog can sniff, but people just seem to have no control over their dogs!

**searched "flexi leash" (wasn't sure if it was leash or lead) and the warnings came up saying to not use them with uncontrollable dogs, and that they can get wrapped around people and cause cuts and abrasions. Would yeh look at that.

Anyways. Sorry for the massive rant. Everyone can continue on in peace now:) ahha