Follow Up Friday: Lots of Tidbits

Hey It’s Jet Here.

Our friend, Miss Jodi, initiated this great idea to update readers on previous posts.  She created a lovely badge to go with her idea.

Forever Fluffy:

We have been inundated with kindness!  Mom and I continue to dig out of our comment pile.  We deeply apologize for tardy replies; we’re up to 50 something… bear with us we will answer every thoughtful soul who so graciously stopped by to offer condolences.  Also, thanks to our bestest feline friend, Savvy, and Miss Linda for commissioning such a beautiful badge from Miss Ann @ Zoolatry. We smile every time we scroll past it.

Speaking of Miss Ann, check out the auction going on to help her family’s medical situation.  Mom donated a $150 Sessions with the Kitchen Counselor gift certificate. Also, Savvy and Miss Linda, are looking for three good K9s!  (couldn’t resist writing that…)  In case you’ve missed it, my sweet Savannah hosts a monthly series, Life Changing Interviews with Savannah: Real Cat and Dog Rescues Are Talking…“, and while her feline slots filled up swiftly, three K9 slots remain. 

Blustery Mr. Hurricane/Tropical Storm Isaac:

Once again, the pet blogging community left Mom with her jaw hanging open.  The outpouring of genuine care, good wishes, concern, prayers, and support before AND after the storm passed us and deluged (vocab building project VBP) the Gulf Coast was extraordinary.  We passed on some preparation suggestions to Rumpy and family, who moved into the “H” zone the week before.  We tried to check on those blog families in the area as well.  Here’s what we know from our connections:

• Miss Wendy, one of our bff’s from Golden Rescue S. Florida – everyone’s ok.
• Miss Rebecca – our other bff from GRSF – took on water, wet vacced the inside of the house; waited for the water to drain and was planning to clean the debris in the backyard yesterday, before Jack did another drop and roll!
• Miss Beverly and Neve’s daughter/human sister, husband and family – all ok, not sure if daughter’s house took on water yet, they’re still at another family member’s home.
• My Grandma’s niece-in-law (she sent in name and now Mom cannot find it… darn) and Gus, the 120 lb K9 evacuated from their houseboat before the storm hit… so far, no further updates.
• Miss Mary Ann’s friend, “Louisiana Lori” – everyone’s ok, (attending LSU game this weekend – good sign!) – fence down in parts, a few more house issues and some other family members yet to check in.

Avians:

Remember we worried about seeing only one blue macaw?  Miss Mary Ann first shared with us and then we saw for ourselves the duo flying magnificently overhead.  We hope they found cover during Mr. Blustery Tropical Storm Isaac.

Speaking of avians, we neglected to mention that during the few weeks of daily sightings, Miss Mary Ann named the arrogant persistent peacock! For those of you familiar with the TV show, M*A*S*H, Charles Winchester joined the unit after a few seasons.  He was a haughty (VBP) arrogant, know-it-all, who thought he was above everyone else, just like you know who!  So, may we present, Winchester the Peacock!

Another great catch up day.

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Grateful to Gravatar

Hey It’s Jet Here.

Later than late… hmpf.

I apologize for Mom’s late transcription, however, she edited a large document this morning from 5:15 to 9:00 a.m. (with a break for our morning feeding/constitutional/shower of course!)  This time slot usually belongs to ‘ol Jetty boy.  JJ went to see Dr. Schaffer at 9 for a 9:30 appointment and poof, the morning flew by.  Mom felt bad for leaving me home, so, she took me to see her friend, Miss Eileen.  She has a fish tank, which I looked and sniffed curiously a few times.

Anyway, I digress, back to the subject at hand.

When we were blogging neophytes (vocab building project VBP) last winter, first learning about blog hops, we thought the blogs which commented and had little square pictures in the corner knew magic!  Our comments posted with funny faces, shapes and patterns.  Where was my handsome, manly man self???

We noted that when we wrote to the fetching, Bunny, from Tales and Tails, info on this gravatar thingie popped up.  Mom tried to follow the directions, didn’t realize she even set up an account and had no clue about how to make pictures.  Months and months passed until we met our friend, Miss Linda from Savannah’s Paw Tracks.  She told Mom how to make my picture appear on our blog in the corner.  Mom (poor tech challenged soul) was so proud and excited thinking she had the Eureka! moment and all comments would now show me in the square thingie.  No such luck.

A few weeks ago, Mom came upon that Gravatar thingie again, found the help place and admitted her confusion.  Mr. Anthony Customer Support left a lovely response in “Computer directions for dummies” wording that even Mom could process!  After a few attempts, she got it!  So, hopefully, beginning today, you will see “Jet at our canal” in the little box by our comments.

Another great Gravatar day!

Wordless Wednesday – Swimming and Skunking

Hey It’s Jet Here.

Wordless won’t exactly work today…

While Mom and Rachel slid the shutters open at dusk last night, we knew that the Gulf faced the onslaught of Isaac.  Miss Beverly’s daughter and husband evacuated their New Orlean’s home after preparaing 3 houses (family) for Isaac.  Grandma Caz’s, niece-in-law and 120 lb K9 hopefully left their New Orleans houseboat (nephew was out of town).  Sending Jetty kisses, JJ hugs and positive energy from the bipeds to all those affected.

On Monday evening, we met Miss Beverly and Neve outside their garage as we began our evening constitutional.  Miss Beverly invited us into the backyard, since she had just returned from work and wasn’t up to a walk.  Mom had “geared us up” with our raincoats (remember, red for me, purple for JJ and duck yellow for Mom?).  Mom figured she would leave them on, since we exited our garage with modest rain and who knew what Isaac band would arrive next.

Well, Miss Beverly’s yard was a veritable (vocab building project VBP) wonderland.  Her arica palm privacy hedge, which lines the full back of the yard stood in belly deep standing water (picture is an example, not Miss Beverly’s).  Oh the joy of splashing, sniffing, pawing!  Since Mom did not want to venture there (the standing water extended about 6 feet before the palms, I ran the fence line and often disappeared into the palms so that all you could see was my tail imitating a palm frond!

Of course, I had to quench (VBP) my thirst in the best water dish of all, every now and then, raincoat and all!  (Mom did remove it eventually.) Miss Beverly caught me drinking and swimming!

Mom hosed JJ and I down before leaving Miss Beverly’s wonderland.  As we entered Casa Jet, Rachel announced, “what smells like a skunk?”  Uh oh, ol’ Jetty boy got busted… remember the dead possum situation?  I might have investigated that general area… A LOT!  So, at 9:00 p.m., Mom and I had an unplanned spa night.  Hmpf… I thought I smelled interesting!  (Jetty, you smelled RANK (VBP).  I was not going to sleep beside a skunk, I needed my green tea rosemary Jetty boy back!)

Another great wonderland day.

Thanks to BlogPaws for sponsoring the Wordless Wednesday Hop.

Tasty Tuesday – Colorful Cole Slaw for Labor Day

Hey it’s Jet here.

Thanks to Sugar and Kol for initiating Tasty Tuesdays, today is our twenty-first participating post!

When Mom lived up north, (N.J.), Labor Day meant the last gathering before school began.  Here in the tropics, school begins mid-August (and already closed yesterday for Mr. Tropical Storm Isaac.)  Mom thought you might enjoy a recipe that travels well for BBQs, picnics, beach day or grilling at home.  She originally selected this dish for her Diabetic Support Group at UMiami Med School earlier this month.  Mom substituted stevia for Splenda, as she is NOT A FAN of that Splenda stuff.

As her faithful Kitchen K9s, we helped with QC (quality control) for the carrots, celery and red pepper.  Mom gave us the teensiest tidbit of cabbage as Little Miss “Not So Dainty about Passing Wind” already has enough fuel in the system if you know what I mean.

Colorful Cole Slaw

Ingredients

• 1 cup green cabbage, finely chopped (Mom used the shred disc in her food processor since she tripled the recipe for class.)
• 1 cup purple cabbage, finely chopped (Mom used the shred disc in her food processor since she tripled the recipe for class.)
• 1/2 cup diced red pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 2 Tbsp water
• 3 Tbsp Splenda (Mom used the stevia equivalent, you can use sugar, agave, or sweetener of choice.)
• 1/4 cup Smart Balance Omega oil (Mom used Olive oil.)

Preparation

• Combine the vegetables in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the vinegar, water, Splenda, and oil.
• Then toss together and chill before serving. (Since the participants assembled the dish in class, they did not chill the cole slaw; no one seemed to mind.)

Another great colorful cole slaw day.

Pawnote:  Wishing those in Isaac’s path safe passage through the storm.

Mischief Monday – Neve Does the Drop and Roll

Hey It’s Jet Here.

Well, it’s Sunday evening here at Casa Jet and WE HAVE ELECTRICITY! Tropical Storm Isaac is passing us with bands of downpours and wind gusts.  No complaints as breaks in the bands allowed Mom to take us out for afternoon potty.  We’re hoping to catch another break soon for our after dinner walk?

They expect this rain/wind rhythm to continue through tomorrow as we experience the “dirty side” of the storm.  We’ve had some tornado watches, cross your paws we get rid of those thingies really fast!  Our thoughts and prayers for safe passage go out to those next in Isaac’s path.

*Pawnote: Mom’s transcription was interrupted by a break in the weather.  We walked a FULL evening constitutional.  Mom told me how proud she was that I left the house.  The breeze felt great in my fur!  JJ and I “spoke” to our new golden neighbors, Winston and Dylan who chatted from the fence.

On the lighter side… last Thursday, Miss Beverly sent mom a text message thingie with the following picture:

It seems Neve (usually snowy white) performed her best drop and roll in thebackyard.  The only issue – Miss Beverly is having pool work done and there is a big mound of stuff.  Apparently, Neve rolled in a pile of stuff containing a DEAD POSSUM (Miss Beverly had a human manly man bury it in the yard, since, I, manly man Jetty could not be reached.)

Coincidentally, my Golden Rescue buddy, Jack, had a similar adventure the same evening. Jack had Miss Rebecca transcribe, “BTW I haven’t been on to comment, because I couldn’t resist the drop and roll the other night and lost my computer privileges.”  Dixie performs a carefully crafted drop and roll many evenings during our evening constitutionals.  Miss Mary Ann gives her the naughty speech, something about Dixie-middle name-last name, you are SO GOING TO GET A BATH!  Miss Beverly gave Neve a bath al fresco (on the patio) and Jack got a mini-spa with waterless bath solution.

Does this count for a MM hat trick? Or one giant drop and roll Mischief achievement?

Another great Drop and Roll day!

Thanks to Alfie’s Blog, Snoopy’s Dog Blog, My Brown Newfies and Luna, A Dog’s Life…for sponsoring the hop!  Click on any of the sponsors to join the hop.

Morning from the Tropics

Hey It’s Jet Here.

Well, Mr. Isaac took a slight jog to the west last night. Here at Casa Jet, we sit under a Hurricane Warning. Mom fed us and tried to coax (vocab building project VBP) me out of the garage… actually, she asked Rachel to help, since I follow Rachel more easily sometimes. They managed to get me to exit the garage immediate left, switched me to Mom and I emptied my tank. That was it, ol’ Jetty boy went right back into the house.

Mom took Little Miss Regularity for a short walk… yes, she did ALL of her business as usual. Mom said JJ spotted a soccer ball and thought she might like to have a few minutes of practice! JJ tried to bite the ball and then nosed it in proper Airbud style! Mom laughed and told J we would purchase a soccer ball for her soon.

We’re already getting bands of wind and downpours, nothing too scary yet. Mom helped Miss Mary Ann with her patio (that’s our patio in the picture) last night culminating (VBP) in the 3rd shower of the day! Oh, by 6:30 a.m. this morning, our county already had 4,500 people without power. Rachel, who pulled this thingie called an all-nighter (she discovered Little House on the Prairie on her computer and is marathoning as teenagers do…) said we lost power for a minute or two around 2 a.m. That might explain why JJ, Mom, Puffy and I woke up at 2:19 a.m. for a moment.

The National “H” Center says we should receive 65-75 mph winds and 4-10 inches of rain. Mom’s wondering how she will take us out for business over the next 24 hours… should be interesting.

My bestest feline friend, Savvy, and her Guardian, Miss Linda, sent us an email to see if we could guide Miss Jen, Rumpy’s human, since she just moved into “H” land. Once Mom got started, she really got going! (our comment is towards the bottom of their post.) We hope it helps. To all our anipals and their bipeds in the affected areas, we wish you safe passage through the storm. We will unplug our computer fairly soon, so, if we miss Mischief Monday, we’ll catch you as soon as they restore our power! (We are not being pessimistic, most of our readers know we lose power on a good day, let alone a storm day!)

Another great day for a visit to the Mancaves!

Thinking of All of You – With Gratitude

Hey It’s Jet Here.

With our home’s tech issues, Mom’s work schedule this last week (she edited a 113 pg document in a 24 hour span, wrote her newsletter, in addition to her usual writing, reading, and work responsibilities) and monitoring the possible “H” Isaac “visit” we apologize for not responding to all of your kind thoughts of support, caring, love, and condolence on the passing of our sweet boy, Fluffy.  We promise to answer each comment… bear with us time wise.

Over the last while, my dear Savannah of Savannah’s Paw Tracks, and our newish anipals Mollie and Alfie bestowed a beautiful award on us.   The Rules: To accept the brand new Thinking of You award, one must link back to the one giving you the award, tell seven things you love and think about daily and then pass the award on to seven more blogs.  In honor of Fluffy, we will share seven things about his life.

1.  He loved to drink water from Mom’s bathroom sink.
2. He loved to chat with Mom… actually, he enjoyed speaking to everyone all the time!
3. He loved to peer over Mom’s books with his chin in the spine.
4. His special spot on the bed was Mom’s tummy.
5. Even though he was low man on the pack totem pole, he gave Puffy great wrestling match challenges.
6. He got along with us K9s easily.
7. He allowed Rachel to dress him up when she was younger.

We’re going to break some rules and pass this award on to all of you who thought of us and our boy:  Please take the award with deepest appreciation and profound gratitude.

*By the way, please take a moment if you can to send your condolences and support to our friends at Dogs N Pawz, on the loss of their sweet girl, Shiloh this week.

** If by chance we drop off or do not hop by as we usually try to, know that we are preparing for that Isaac guy and/or have lost power as a result of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Isaac and we’ll be back as soon as power is restored.  To those in the “Cone of Uncertainty”, prepare and stay safe.  (Mom’s preparing Man Cave #2 for all of us if need be!)

Thanks to Life With Dogs, Confessions of the Plume and Two Little Cavaliers for hosting the Saturday Blog Hop.

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How Did We End Up With Two Pool Phobic Golden Girls?

Hey It’s Jet Here.

Crazy, crazy, crazy… Two Golden Girls who didn’t get the whole swimming memo thingie!  When Mom adopted Koko back in 2005, she thought Rachel would love having a swim partner in the pool!  To be fair, Mom was pretty excited about swimming with Koko too!  Mr. Fred carried Koko in the first time and … sheer panic!  No graceful doggie paddle, oh no, Koko the calm, sweet, noble K9 clearly thought she was going to die.  For years afterwards, she would trot around the perimeter and keep the family company and that was that.

In the interim, our screen enclosure partially blew  away in Hurricane Wilma, and with biscuit money in less supply, by the time Mom tried pool swimming (as opposed to dog park pond or canal “swamp dog” swimming) with me, I was on leash.  We didn’t swim together often, however, once I learned where the steps were, I would swim a lap or two with a little “encouragement” to enter the water.

Since JJ arrived with many health issues, Dr. Schaffer didn’t clear her for swimming until two weeks ago when her ear check up went well.

In anticipation of the eventual green flag, Mom ordered two 30’ leashes from Soft Lines, to allow for more freedom and the possibility of future beach visits!

Well, Sunday was the day.  Mom decided that she would alternate swimming with me, than JJ, tying the non-swimming K9 onto the patio pole.  I went first to show JJ how swimming goes at Casa Jet.  Forgive the lack of pictures, however as you read about our adventures, you’ll see why.  We will try again when Rachel is with us.

Mom had to “help” my hind paws onto step 1, well into the pool, and then I gracefully swam the perimeter once, got out, shook (30x/min) according to freekibble.com!  Then it was JJ’s turn.

JJ expressed some reluctance, so, Mom talked sweetly and firmly.  She wet Little Miss Mani/Pedi’s paws and gave her a little encouragement as they both entered the pool.  JJ FREAKED OUT! Her front paws splashed wildly, while her back legs did… NOTHING causing her tush to sink.  As Mom immediately went to support her belly with her two arms underneath, JJ’s back paws got Mom in several places. (causing bruising the likes of a loser in a prizefight!) Mom cradled JJ within a minute and JJ regained equilibrium in about another minute as Mom securely held her and spoke to her.  Mom remained in this position with JJ for about 15 minutes, walking in the pool, talking to JJ, rocking her, etc…

Round 2:

We alternated turns again for round 2, Mom knowing in advance what to do for JJ.  Mom and I did 2 laps for round two which garnered (vocab building project) lots of compliments from Mom.  During JJ’s turn, somehow, JJ segued (VBP) from cradle position to overgrown toddler position!  Picture this: JJ’s front paws hugging Mom’s neck, their two cheeks touching like a slow dancing couple, and Mom cupping JJ’s tush like a toddler!  Mom laughed heartily as she remained that way for another 10 minutes or so, walking in the pool, leaning backwards to give JJ the sensation of being horizontal.  She told JJ in her special way she was safe and at moments felt JJ relax.

Turn 3:

I actually entered the pool, all four paws myself, while Mom gently tugged and used her encouraging voice to start swimming.  When I did, I felt like Jetty Phelps or Jetty Lochte with cheering crowds (Mom!) praising me while swimming my final perimeter lap and a half.   She told me the rest of the day how proud she was of my accomplishments! (picture from a few weeks ago in Neve’s pool)

JJ’s turn looked like Round 2, with the toddler pose.  Mom praised JJ for her courage.  JJ even practiced front paw doggie paddle with Mom’s belly support.

We exited the patio, enjoyed a typical spa day and passed out until mid afternoon!  Mom on the other hand, worked on the computer and in the kitchen making Persian meatballs! (saving that for a future Tasty Tuesday!)

Another great swim day.

Thankful Thursday – 7:30 Phone Call

Hey It’s Jet Here.

Amazing what a 7:30 a.m. phone call can do!

So, if you read Monday’s post, you will know we’ve had some “tech issues” at Casa Jet.  What you might not know is Mom had a 25 minute phone call Tuesday with Ms. ADT and they could not solve Mom’s alarm problem.  They wanted to set the alarm off at 7:42 a.m. to “test something else.”  Mom did not think the neighbors would appreciate that test, no siree, bob!  She said thank you, and would call back another day.

Mom finally stopped procrastinating, wishing the problem away, hoping for tech miracles, etc… and called Mr. AT&T this morning to discuss: home phone (working on and off in no logical fashion), wireless working the same way, causing mayhem on computer, cell phone all of a sudden working sporadically, and internet going koo-koo!

Mr. AT&T spent 1.5 hours on the phone with Mom.  Here’s what the outcome was:

• Unplug little Netgear wireless thingie from computer and hope things improve. CHECK.
• Set an appointment for another Mr. AT&T to visit Casa Jet in person for home phone. CHECK
• Transfer to Mr. AT&T mobility to discuss cell issue (Mom could not bear another long call.)
• Test internet, turn off computer, reboot, etc… push lots of buttons. CHECK.

Mr. Mario called first (very polite) and arrived on time.  He liked JJ and I right away, so, we followed him around to learn a new trade.  JJ in particular may have a career change in her near future.  (She particularly liked Mr. Mario’s IPad!)

After some investigating, (my Scooby Doo Academy detecting techniques teacher would be proud,) Mr. Mario found this teensy weensy thingie outside wasn’t crimped fully.  Well, he crimped and then: home line had dial tone right away!  And, Mr. Mario recommended that Mom call ADT while he was doing paperwork (really IPad paperless work!), to see if that fixed the alarm problem.  Mom did so and yippee, yippee; the trouble light went away after Mom pressed a bunch of buttons in the order prescribed!

Now if Hurricane Isaac leaves Casa Jet alone, we may stay in business!

Another great, tech support day!

Wordless Wednesday: Take That BSL!

Hey It’s Jet Here.

Mom does this clicking thingie each morning to give 10 pieces of free Kibble to felines and K9s.  Yesterday, one of the answers linked to a story about a Pit Bull adopting a white lion cub rejected by her Mom after Jojo, the cub, had surgery.

For those who fear the vicious, white shark-like reputation of the Pitties… check these photos out.

Another great, Pit Bull education and caring day!

Thanks to BlogPaws for sponsoring the Wordless Wednesday Hop.