HoundTracks

Yearly Project

2011-12-12T11:33:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it's March!

2011-03-19T16:03:00.000-05:00

Where does the time go? I can't believe it's March already and my blogging skills are horrible! I need to get back in the swing of things. I just read my friends blog and she is really good at keeping up with stuff and she has two kids! I have no excuse what-so-ever!

So here is my latest:

Spring Break is almost over! Drats! I feel like I need a vacation from my vacation. I think one day, I actually took two naps, I was so tired. Tired from what? From working not only in my yard but I also thought I would take on another part-time job and be my sisters yard-person at Emerson Academy. Boy, that was tough work!

Not only did I pull some muscle in my knee (not bad enough to go to the doctor but just painful) my shoulders are killing me! I love to get out there and do some yard-work but man, I feel it.

Spring Break is also the time, I take the dogs for their yearly check-up and to get updated on shots. It's always an adventure to say the least and I stressed over this year because I got a new car and I really didn't want my full-furred dogs in my car! They are clean but the water activates shedding on my pack! Crazy.

So, we all manage to get there, and each dog has their time with the doctor. So here is the run down.
Tiffy - age 8ish - bad teeth, lump in her lymph-node, had to aspirate to find out what kind of lump, came back as a fatty tissue so no problem. Has a fatty tissue on her hip, is on anti-biotics and will have to wear cone because she is licking it so it's now infected. Yuck!

Tucker - age 11 - bad teeth, has a lump in his mouth on his gum! It will only get bigger, then he will begin to bite it (accidentally of course) it will become infected and will cause pain. If he has his teeth cleaned, they will sedate him to clean the teeth and then remove the lump - cost? $350.00 Did I mention he is 11!

Cooper - age old! she is really around 13ish. Cooper has a heart murmur, she is severely arthritic. oh and could get cancer because she is so old! Doctor wants to do a chest extra to see how the heart looks, and that is about $ 250.00.

Not really the best news ever! I love my dogs! I love them and would heart broken without them. But, but 350! to clean his teeth? The teeth cleaning is really 165, the tumor removal is the rest! The jury is still out on this one.

That is it! I have played my Pocket Frog game for hours and loved being off this past week! Spring Break always makes me pine for the summer but this has been a good one. I was busy, got tons done and had some time for naps! Can't beat that, really!

Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-08T18:31:00.000-06:00

It has been so long since I have entered a post on my blog. But this one is a good one! I took a video of Eli a couple of weeks ago and have just now edited it and now posting it. It's an interview, like the one I did last year and I think it's much better. Not only have I improved, but Eli is growing so much.

I began the interview by asking him some of the same questions as I did last year. Can you say, Happy New Year? Can you say, Hippopotamus? I guess next year, I better come up with new material.

Eli has new material, as you will see in this video. He is so smart, so funny and very witty. His personality is surprising and exceptional, especially for almost 3 years old. But then again, I am very biased!

Enjoy!

Holiday Card 2010

2010-12-12T05:31:00.000-06:00

Customize an ecard

Getting into the Holiday Spirit!

2010-12-03T12:13:00.000-06:00

Enjoy!

Here is what I am Thankful for.......

2010-11-26T17:43:00.002-06:00

Today, we met over at my parents house for a leftover Thanksgiving lunch and I shot this footage of Eli riding his trike.

I love things like this - where it's so spontaneous and you get so much out of something so simple. I also love that I caught on video some of Eli's personality and his quick wit and sense of humor!

Enjoy!

Something to do on a Sunday morning

2010-11-07T16:07:00.000-06:00

Stacey, Eli and I went to Target this morning and besides

answering all of Eli's questions, we did this too!

Enjoy!

Happy Birthday

2010-10-16T17:15:00.000-05:00

My Tucker is now 11 years old! I took this picture of him on his Birthday, October 4. I can't believe he is 11? Where does the time go?

I think most people know of my love for this dog. I have had him since he was 9 weeks old. I saw him on that cold November day, nudge his sisters so he could snuggle in between them, I have taken him on walks in the bitter cold and carried him in my jacket. I have bathed skunk spray off of him with tomato juice, I have lifted him into cars, driven to Dallas with him crying and whining all the way to Hillsboro, I have taken him to dog training, I have taken him to dog parks, fun runs and walks around our neighborhoods. I have scratched his belly, his ears and that big old dewlap of his. I have been with him and he with me for 11 years! 11 years!

But I am thinking about what will happen when it's time for him to go. I think he is in good health and will live several more years. Don't get me wrong... I'm not marking the days but I am just thinking ahead. Preparing myself! Because it will be a hard day for me! A very hard day with a couple of weeks added in too.

So, this is what I have decided, Cooper and I (because Cooper will out live Tucker, I have no doubt. Cooper will not leave me - I can't even leave the room with out Cooper.) So what we are going to do is set up an older care center for Female Basset Hounds! I guess what that really means is the girls and I will foster older female bassets and maybe a few other breeds like Mastiffs! Because Tucker can be so mean and ornery to Cooper and Tiffy this is what we are going to do in his honor! Good idea, right? I think so too!

Enjoy!

Sleepover

2010-09-06T05:42:00.002-05:00

Emery and I had a sleepover last night since today is a holiday. We brought my mattress into the den and built a tent over it. The idea behind it was to keep the dogs off the bed, but that didn't seem to work. Tiffany and Tucker loved having the mattress on the floor and loved having Emery on the mattress too! Tiffy got as close to Emery as possible while she was eating nutter-butter cookies.

Before we finally went to bed, the dogs were gently pushed off but Tucker crept back up on the bed, moments later to sleep with us. I didn't mind.

Enjoy!

School Days

2010-09-05T16:17:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I have made it through two weeks of being an Elementary Art Teacher! Unless something drastically changes, I like it! I have a great schedule, small classes, cute kids and really nice people to work with.

It is an adjustment working with younger students and I am getting into the groove of saying..."I like the way ___ is sitting in her chair." or "Are you making a good choice?" But my favorite thing that happened the other day was a Kindergarten class came in and we are working on lines. Thick lines, thin lines, different kind of lines with different colors. We are using the Promethean Board to practice drawing first, then they get paper and colors. I just passed out all of the colors and look over and one boy has two crayons sticking out of his ears. He is turning his head from side to side looking at the other students at his table. I just shook my head no and he pulled them out and put them back in the box! I guess that worked that time.

Enjoy!

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - movie trailer

2010-07-13T05:30:00.001-05:00

The Rooster

2010-06-17T15:26:00.002-05:00

Word Origins

2010-06-15T15:50:00.000-05:00

While Stacey is on vacation at Disneyland, I am watching over the animals. All of her animals. She has 3 Munchkin cats, (all with varying degrees of friendliness, 3 Dogs (all who have varying degrees of listening skills!) 2 bearded dragons and their 14 baby bearded dragons! Yeah, feeding them is kind of gross. They eat worms, but meal worms? And meal worms are gross! Then there are her 40 some-odd Chickens and 1 Rooster.

I love the chickens, I love collecting the eggs and checking on the new baby Chickens. I love CB or CrookedBeak. (That's her in the top picture) Of course my sister would have an chicken who has a slight disability and that is what crooked beak has; her bottom beak turns one way and her top beak turns down, and that makes pecking food very difficult. (I give her extra piles of food because she is sweet.) The rooster, on the other hand... is mean! (That's him on the right, warming-up the pipes.)

He charged me the other day, kicked both of his feet up in the air and punched me with his feet! Then, I try to gently shoo at him and he makes contact with my leg. I got a couple of scratches right under my knee but he was fighting me? Crazy bird.
I couldn't concentrate on feeding the other chickens because he would rush at me with my back turned, then stop, walk around slowly, cock-a-doodle-doo, pretending the entire time he never kicked me! And I know he did! That is a chicken shit.

That got me to thinking. Is that were the term Chicken Shit comes from? I did a little reading and one of the definitions was cowardly or fainthearted but the word origin is Latin from courda meaning tail. The English version came from the French word couard which also means tail. I guess it could be referring to anyone or thing that turns tail or tucks it tail between it's legs but I never saw that it was in direct reference to a Rooster! Darn it!

Enjoy!

Change is Good!

2010-06-13T16:12:00.001-05:00

Change is good. I change my hair color, I change my sheets once a week, I change my living room wall color often (I just repainted for the 3rd time) I change and adapt to all kinds of things.

For the next school year, I am going to be moving to a new school and teaching a new age group. I am going to teach Elementary Art! I am pretty nervous, but then again excited. My worry is that I see them once a week and they have to finish a project in one, 50 minute class time! That's a lot of projects but the cool thing is, the teacher who is leaving, she is just moving to a new school, she has worked with them on the computer making Digital Artwork. I am planning some really cool projects using Photoshop Elements 8. I thought I would have Emery try them first, then if she can do it and I don't loose my cool, then it will be a success!

Today when I got on to blogger, my intention was to update my school blog, I saw that I could update my blog template with a new design. I have spent about 30 minutes working on changing colors of post backgrounds, texts, links and even the border colors. I am proud that it didn't take me too long, but I have my 3 new blogs to change too! That might take a little bit longer.

So, I have a new color scheme for my blog (which no one reads!) and a new job. Change is good - little by little, change can be good.

Enjoy!

Sunny Days

2010-06-10T18:28:00.000-05:00

Customize a free scrapbook design

Emery and Eli May 2010

2010-05-10T17:58:00.000-05:00

I've always wanted a skylight

2010-03-27T17:47:00.000-05:00

Over Spring Break I had, well an interesting thing happen. I was having a tree cut over my deck roof and one of the tree workers climbed on the roof to get to the tree. You know where this is going right? Yes, he stepped in the middle of the rafters and fell in! Well, it was really his foot that fell in but still. He had a chain saw in his hand and didn't even hurt himself! Whew! That's a relief.

I was pretty stunned at the situation, I really didn't know what to say or what to do next. So, I called my insurance agent and then talked to the tree guy. He didn't think it was his fault!? Really? But this week, we came up with a solution. We are splitting the cost 70/30. I of course am taking more since it was my roof and the roof was rotten. I didn't know that, but it was.

Here is a picture of the roof or of my skylight in my roof. It's a bit hard to see but the brown stuff around the hole, is the rotted wood, the white stuff is 4 inch thick styrofoam stuffed inbetween the rafters, that was used as insulation. Not my idea, it came with the house.

I am happy to report that I have a new roof, my next door neighbor/handyman, came over today and put up a new rolled roof for me. I paid him, of course but probably not what he would have charged someone else. My dad and I spent two days installing the plywood sheeting and my neighbor spent all day today, putting on the asphalt paper, the roof cement and the roll roofing. I can do a lot of things but I know when to say when!

I am so glad to have my covered deck back! It was quite an experience to live for a week without that roof. My house was so bright, I could see every dog hair and speck of dirt laying on the floor or on the kitchen cabinets. Ahhhhh, I am so glad to have my house dark and clean again!

Enjoy!

Snow Day

2010-03-06T06:27:00.001-06:00

On February 24 we had a nice covering of snow. I am not sure what the dogs thought about it but it was sight to see.

In Georgetown, we had a bit more than Round Rock and even Austin. There was snow on the ground and remnants of Snow People even through the weekend.

I am glad no one panicked, like most Texans do in ice storms, canceling schools, events and work, but we did have a late start that Wednesday morning. If they would have canceled school, it would have taken away our 4- day weekend during Easter. I would much rather have that, then one day in February, when there is snow on the ground!

Enjoy!

Eli's Interview

2010-01-02T17:39:00.002-06:00

Eli has been learning so many new things or "tricks" at almost 2, and we all think he is the most adorable thing, since Emery at this age! The following movie is a run through of his words, facial expressions and his latest; his Uh...No comment.

Enjoy!

Time for a Walk

2010-01-02T13:02:00.000-06:00

I had plans to video the dogs every morning during my holiday break, so that others could see what I live with but I think after watching this one clip, everyone will get the point!

Enjoy!

A few funny stories

2010-01-02T06:49:00.004-06:00

I have a few fun stories to tell about my Tiffy, about Emery and about me! I don't have pictures to show, thank goodness for that, but I hope I can focus my thoughts to write a good story.

Tiffy's Tale
Several weeks ago, back in December I noticed Tiffy was not using her tail. She seemed slower on our morning walks and she seem to have trouble going to the bathroom. So, I finally decided one afternoon at their dinner time, I would call make an appointment for her to see her Doctor. Easy enough, called right then, they would keep her all day and she would be worked in. Great! Love my new Vet! So, early the next morning, we loaded up.
Tiffy, was very excited to be going and we headed to the vet's office at 7:00 a.m.. I get her checked in, told the vet tech the problem and told her what my diagnoses was. I thought it was her anal glands that needed to be expressed. The reason, is Tucker had the same problem one summer. He couldn't move his tail, had problems going to the bathroom, but same as Tiff - appetite was fine. She wrote all of this down and she said they would call me when they knew something. I said goodbye to Tiffy and hopped in the car and drove to school.

By the time I got to the school parking lot, the Dr. called me with the diagnoses! Wait, that had to be 10 minutes! But he did, she did not have impacted anal glands she had Swimmer's Tail. Dr. Whitehill asked me, "Have you been on a long walk lately?" "Yes, we went for over an hour on Sunday? How did you know?" "I ask because sometimes this can cause Swimmer's Tail; Labrador Retrievers get it from swimming and using their tail so much in the water, and Tiffy has sprained her tail and it's called swimmer's tail. Also, her ears are very dirty, do you want us to clean them out? I have an antibiotic I'll put in her ears too." "So wait, she sprained her tail?" "Yes, when I lifted it up she cried out and I gave her some Rymadil to ease the pain and I'll send those home with her too. Did you want to get some of the cleaner for her ears from us, or pick some up somewhere else?" "No.....I'll get if from you.....so she sprained her tail, from wagging it too much, is that what I am understanding?" "Yes, basically. It will take a couple of weeks for the pain to go away but she can still go for walks." And he was right. It did take a couple of weeks for her to use her tail again and just like that, she is all better today. Even her ears!

Competitive Nature

Christmas Day, my family was gathering over at my parents house for our Christmas Day meal. My Aunt Dee, Uncle George and my cousin Steve from San Antonio came too. All of us adults went out to watch Emery and Eli ride on their bikes and cars, video-taping, taking pictures and cheering on their efforts. After a couple of hours of this excitement, we headed in for lunch.

After a good meal and some yummy deserts, Stacey and I went out to watch the kids ride again. Emery also got a razor scooter from my parents and she brought that too to play with. While she was riding on the car, I got the scooter to see if I could do it. I use to be a great skateboarder back in the late 70's so I thought no problem, I can do this. And I wasn't too bad on it either. I wasn't doing tricks or anything, but I was doing pretty good.

Since I could ride on something too, I told Emery, "Let's have a race; you in the car, me on the scooter" Ready, on your mark, get set, go! Off we go, I am going up hill on the street and I am going pretty slow, because I know her car cannot go that fast, so I am letting her get even up with me. The one thing I didn't do was designate a finish line. So, of course, when I clearly won, she went past me to claim she won! Okay, okay, I didn't argue with her. I told her let's race back, but this time, the finish line is their van. Okay, we agreed and Ready, on your mark get set, go! We were off again, I didn't have to push too much because the street was going down hill so I had some time to ride on the scooter. Emery is of course behind me again and I can't really slow down for her. Being the good aunt that I am, I teased her; claiming my victory well before the finish line! Little did I know, she was gaining on me! All of the sudden in my peripheral vision I see her green monster of a car swooping in next to my left leg, I swerve to my right and she keeps coming at me blocking me on my left. I can't stop, because I don't know how and because I am going downhill. She is coming in closer, I yell at her, "Emery! What are you doing?" She laughs, I yell again, "Hey, your going to make me fall!" And that is exactly what I did. I fell off the scooter and into the street and in someones yard! I landed with my arms out in front of me, and my left knee skidded down first, then the rest of my upper body hit. My right arm was bent under me bracing my fall and the scooter flipped up and hit me in the rear, hard too! Stacey is running to my aid asking me, "Are you alright?" In between my giggles, I said, "I think I broke my shoulder!", I felt a jolt of pain in my bicep area and had to lay there for a bit. Emery is sitting on her car laughing and I am laughing and so is Stacey!

I finally got up and did my best to guilt my niece for running her poor, old, aunt off the road, just because she was loosing the race! It really made an impact, because she grabbed her scooter, leaving her car still in the road and took off down the street! She has always been competitive and now, I believe she is cut-throat competitive!

Yummy Butter!

For our New Year's Day meal, I told my mom I would make chocolate chip cookies to bring over for dessert, since she was making all of these yummy dishes, that it was the least I could do. On Thursday afternoon, I made the cookie dough, using my new mixing bowls, and my new flour and sugar containers. I felt just like the Barefoot Contessa, scooping out the flour and sifting it. Once I had mixed all the ingredients together and added the chocolate chips, I started cleaning up and I let the dogs lick the beater! ( They don't get any chocolate but I do let them eat the dough!)

I washed the mixing bowls, put away my new containers and cleaned off the counter tops. Done! I head back to my office to finish my book on cd and before I sat down, I heard a noise. A rustling sound, a crunching? It was loud! Tucker heard it too and turned his head. I knew exactly what it was and who is was - Tiffy! Getting in to the kitchen trash can. I step over Tucker in the hallway and sure enough there she is in the kitchen chomping on something, egg shells on floor, the chocolate chip bag laying right next to her. I get up to Tiff and see her chowing down on a butter wrapper! I pull the corner out from her mouth, ripping it and then gently open her mouth to reach in and get the rest. She is not dropping it! I feel around in there and finally find it at the back of her throat, pulling it out slobbery and buttery, wadded up in a ball! (It's like when Kevin spit-up Mr. Fredrickson's walker, in Up!) "Oh, Tiffy!" I cried out, "Girlie, don't you know you can't eat paper?" I walked over the trash can to throw away the butter wrapper, and the egg shells and the chocolate chip bag. As, I am throwing this all away, I look at her and say, "There better be another butter wrapper in here!" And unfortunately, there wasn't! So, I can conclude that Tiffy ate one butter wrapper and was on to her second one by the time I had intervened and foiled the plan. It seems, all of us girls like butter!

So, I did check in the back yard yesterday morning to see if there is a butter wrapper out there but so far, I haven't seen it! I guess it will show up, soon!

Enjoy!

Monthly Book List of 2008

2010-01-01T10:27:00.001-06:00

Monthly Book List of 2008

The Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett
The Almost Moon, by Alice Sebold
The Abstinence Teacher, by Tom Perrotta
Run, by Ann Patchett
The Miracle at Speedy Motors, by Alexander McCall Smith
The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, by David Wroblewski

To make some space on my sidebars, I am adding in my monthly book list from 2008 and about to start my new list for 2010!

So, this year.........

2009-12-28T18:15:00.004-06:00

Resolutions

So, this coming year I am going to give myself a few new challenges. Besides the old resolutions that we all have, I am going to push myself to read more! I am currently reading a new book but will not finish by Friday and I am listening to two books, one in the car and one in the house. I could very well finish those two by Friday. One of my resolutions for 2010 is I am going to challenge myself to read 24 books in a year and log them on my blog. I almost made it this year, if I count the two I am listening to this week, I will be at 20 books! Not bad really. I will start my new list with the book I am currently reading now, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson, a Swedish author who died suddenly from a heart attack in 2007. My cousin, Steve gave these to my Aunt Dee and she has in turn given them to me to read. I have two of the three in the series and so far, it's good.

My other challenge this year is to figure out how to calculate the days I walk the dogs and for how long. Last year, I added my Yes we did! calendar, but I cannot add anything to the dates on the calendar. So, I might make a list of dates and times, but then again, that would be very boring to read, and really. who cares? I do think I am sick because of walking in the cold mornings! I have a sore throat but I am not coughing nor is my nose running. It's actually the opposite. My nose is so clear, that the cold air is shooting right down my throat! Anyway, I have to figure something out on how to document our daily walks.

I don't have too many other ideas for resolutions except for watching my bread intake and alcohol consumption and I might not play Othello for hours at a time but if I don't do that, I might pick-up another obsessive habit, so at least my mind is being engaged.

I could make plans for changes to my house - like finish painting it! That may be an idea. I also want to take out my fireplace, which my Dad and I are going to do that, probably in a couple of weeks actually. No time like the present, right? I'll post that project. That will be cool. I also want a new front door, I need to get my deck roof fixed(it leaks in places) I need to get a water softener installed and the old one removed. I want a new stove, but they sure are pricey! I looked today and there is nothing below $399.00. I would love a microwave/exhaust over my stove too. I hate my range hood! I don't know why I hate it so, but I do. I also would love new light fixtures in my kitchen or maybe just some under counter lighting. I need to clean out my utility room and make room for some old things I don't use anymore. Plus, I need to have a garage sale and get my old computer cleaned up so I can donate it or sell it. I just want the motherboard taken out, just in case all of my info is still on there. Maybe the guys at Click can do that for me. I need to hook up my Wii to my new TV and I have to switch the dogs tags on their new collars and I have to write out my Thank You cards for all of my Christmas presents! Wow, this list turned into a chore list and not just a house list. Oh, I also need new drapes for my dining room and kitchen. I could make the ones for in the kitchen but I need to buy the ones for the dining room. I looked a JCPenny today and saw a friend of mine from Hutto - it was good to see her and her kiddo. But I couldn't decide on the drapes. There were some really contemporary styles but I just wasn't in love with them. I 'll keep looking and find the perfect ones. Ohhh, plus I saw at Costco the table I want too. It'sa square table and the chair cushions are covered in leather. But this set sat 8 and that is way too many for my little space! But I'll find one - I know it.

So, I have been debating about keeping this list but I think I will. Then I can see in a couple of months if I still want/need these things or see how I have prioritized these Things to Do.

Enjoy!

Christmas Movie December 24, 2009

2009-12-28T17:15:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas

2009-12-28T05:17:00.004-06:00

It was a Merry Christmas again this year! Everyone was healthy, in good spirits and Amorette, Sarah's little sister, got to celebrated with us this year!

It did take us a good couple of hours.....well maybe more than a couple, but at least it we didn't break our record! I don't know what the family record is, but I know we didn't break it this year! We do take breaks, snack, re-fill drinks but then we get right back to it! Diligently! We have a system we have created over the years. Everyone gets a trash bag to sit by them, this is for the wrapping paper and tissues but not the sacks. We save the gift sacks. Well, I like to save the gift sacks to re-use next year! Next to your trash bag is your area to store all of your gifts. We take turns opening gifts, (this is why it takes so long)and we even have a family member, usually Stacey, play Santa. She passes out the gifts one by one. But this year, to speed it up a bit, Sarah and Amorette sorted the gifts and I think it went much quicker this way. Emery was out of gifts first, but she couldn't stand it any longer, she had to open her gifts. Eli took a nap during most of the gift opening and when he did wake up, he opened his gifts but he was more excited about his airpane, lellow airpane.

Eli got a cool bike from my Mom and Dad. It's a motorized four-wheeler and he really likes it. He cannot steer; he just doesn't understand that concept so if he crashes, he crashes! He just pushes the button on the handlebar to go. We got several pictures of him and most of them he has this smile on his face, almost like a smirk. He rides by, looking at you, looking at him and not watching where he is going. But this look - I just cannot describe it. He knows something we don't.

Emery got a big 2-seater car from her parents and she is doing great driving it. She had a bit of a coordination challenge at the very beginning but she has definitely picked up some fearlessness from her parents. She wasn't sure how to stop the car at first so every time she wanted to stop she would throw it in reverse, skidding to a stop! But she was eventually corrected and shown how to turn the wheel in one direction when you back-up and it moves you opposite direction. Saturday, we met over at Emerson Academy and let the kids ride their cars out in the pasture. I took Tiffy and Tucker and they loved it! Emery even took them for a walk behind her car,until Tiffy got her leash tangled in the tires! I'll have more on that later!

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and that you have a Happy New Year!

Enjoy

Happy Holidays

2009-12-20T06:27:00.004-06:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

A dash of Color

2009-12-20T05:50:00.000-06:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Yin and Yang

2009-12-13T07:15:00.003-06:00

The other morning, Tiffy was on this bed and Tucker wanted on it too. So, being the stubborn dogs that they both are, this was the compromise.

I can't say it enough, I love this picture! It's one that I will keep with me forever, even after these guys are gone from my life. To me, it just epitomizes both of them and their personalities.

Tucker, as we know has a bit of a temper and is feisty? Tiffy is the sweetest thing, next to Cooper. Tucker is mostly red in color and Tiffy is mostly white. Tucker is male, Tiffy is female. I could go on and list their opposite traits, but I think you get the picture.

Enjoy!

Christmas Parade in Downtown Georgetown

2009-12-13T06:58:00.000-06:00

The City of Georgetown's annual Christmas Parade was last Saturday, December 4th. My Mom and I took Em and Eli downtown to see the parade and do some shopping along the square.

Eli, wasn't scared of the sirens, horses, kids or even Santa! He just watched and took it all in. Emery was very excited and yelled at all of the people, "Merry Christmas, people in the trailer!" "Merry Christmas, Police guy on bike" She sounded like George Bedford in A Wonderful Life.

One of the Churches, sponsored a Bethlehem Village were you could walk through, what might be a small Village in Jerusalem. At the end of the "village" they had a live Nativity scene, with Mary, Joseph and all of the manger animals. The donkey didn't much like the sheep, but we all thought it was good!

To wrap up our eventful day, we headed down to Dos Salsas for a margarita and some nachos! We had just a short wait and this is were most of my pictures came from. The best one is of Eli and it looks like he is screaming; he isn't. Emery told him to "say cheese" and this is what he does! He doesn't say, "Cheeeeese", he just squints his eyes and smiles with his mouth open and Emery just caught it at that point in time. I think it's funny and so Eli!

Enjoy!

Farm Kids

2009-11-01T17:10:00.000-06:00

Eli and Emery were "helping" at Emerson Academy last weekend. Stacey said, "They played in the mulch pile, fed the goats and pigs, moved hay, Emery got chased by a rooster, Eli ate dirt! It was a fun afternoon at the "farm"!!" I knew those two would do more entertaining then chores!

Enjoy

Chilly Morning

2009-10-31T16:30:00.001-05:00

I was getting ready for work the other day, and when I walked back in my room, I found these two sleeping next to each other. I am not sure who was on the bed first or who was second, but my guess would be Tiffy was second.

I took 12 pictures of them with and without the flash and from different angles, that is why this looks a bit blurry. I can't get my camera to take a decent picture in low light. I tried the night setting, the sunset setting, the fireworks setting, all of them. You have to hold the camera so still that I know I moved it a bit, but this was the best one.

Enjoy

Authors Luncheon October 2009

2009-10-31T11:27:00.001-05:00

My cousin, Steve is the book editor for the San Antonio Express newspaper and one of his duties besides reading and review books is he gets to select the authors for the 18th annual San Antonio Express-News Book & Author Luncheon benefiting the Phase I Clinical Research Program at the Cancer Therapy & Research Center at the University of Texas Health Science Center. This year, I was able attend!

My Aunt Dee, Steve's Mom, invited my Mom and I to attend and because she had purchased extra tickets, my Dad also went. It was such a treat to meet the authors and I even met and talked to Heloise! Pretty cool.

I got Emery a signed copy of the latest Skippyjon Jones book, Lost in Spice and it's pretty adorablito! I think Skippyjon might say that! Here are some pictures of Judy signing and drawing pictures in the book and I even got my buddy Logan one too, for his birthday.But here is the funny thing, I accidentally told them Landon so she signed it to him!! I am probably in big trouble! Sorry Logan.

The Mad Scientist

2009-09-19T05:53:00.003-05:00

I think the title says it all and so that darn expression! Do you think he knows he's cute?

Enjoy

Eli's Alter Ego?

2009-08-12T14:52:00.009-05:00

During the morning, he is a "regular" kid, with his cap on, his Texas t-shirt and his sporty tennis shoes.........

By afternoon, quick as a flash, he is Captain Underpants! Here to save the day!

Actually, Eli got dressed up a couple of weeks ago, because at Emerson, they had a Super Hero Day and he went as Captain Underpants. I think he likes the costume.

Enjoy!

Snaggle Tooth

2009-08-10T16:50:00.002-05:00

Emery has lost another tooth! Looks like the screen from a game of Tetris! Her other top tooth is loose too and she can wiggle it, but those roots are hanging on for dear life.
I guess that will be her next one. More pictures to follow of the next tooth, that bites the dust.
Enjoy.

My Pack

2009-08-08T05:34:00.002-05:00

Here is the latest picture of my pack. I figured I have taken a picture of the dogs in this setting before of just Cooper and Tucker and then I took one last year with Tiffy in it, so I will keep up with the tradtion and take one every summer.

At Tiffy's last monthly check-up, her Dr. asked for pictures of her so that she could use them in her portfolio! She loves the way Tiff's new eye looks and she might even include her on her website! Pretty cool! tiffy's going to be a star!

I am adding a new Summer O9 Slideshow to the blog with more pictures of my pack!
Enjoy!

Eli's Game

2009-08-07T17:28:00.008-05:00

Eli was spending the day with his Nana and I went over to see him. This game is what entertained us all for awhile!

Enjoy!

Jamaica Trip 2009

2009-08-05T15:31:00.002-05:00

Our Jamaica Trip was terrific! I can't say enough good things about it. The resort was great, the food was delicious and different, the drinks were plenty and the people were so friendly.

Stacey and I went snorkeling one morning then para-sailing in the afternoon. I think there is a picture of me, I am tiny dot over the ocean!

We went to Dunn's River Falls and climbed the waterfall, that was exciting and breathtaking at the same time! We went to Dolphin Cove and touched the Stingrays, (barbs removed of course!) There is a picture of Stacey and Emery doing that! And those two also went to meet the dolphins. I think they got to swim and ride them too! There might be a picture of Stacey being thrown in the air but they were so far away from my Mom and I, I just took pictures!

One of the other cool things we did, was drive in Jamaica! Well, Stace drove and in Jamaica they drive on the left and the drivers side is located on the right! Just like the British! It was different that is for sure, but Stacey did a great job.

Our last day there, we took it slow and sat by the pool, read, snorkeled and drank! Stacey found a new drink called the Montreal. A family from Montreal were at the resort and the guy suggested she try it. I think she liked it, since she drank 5 of them! I would say she did! Emery, joined up with the kids club and tye-dyed t-shirts and then we all met back at the pool and watched her "run on the magic carpet". The magic carpet is a blue strip of foam the entertainment group puts out in the pool. The idea is start on land and run into the pool on this blue foam and you have to make it all the way to the end and you jump in to the pool. The kids are much better at it than the adults but everyone played on it. Well, I didn't but that goes without saying! We finally left the pool at 6:00 to get dressed for dinner! Not a bad day!

Summer Time

2009-06-09T16:58:00.011-05:00

It's summertime! I can't believe it is here already.
Sunday, my mom and Emery and I went to Schilterbahn for an overnight visit and we had a really good time. Emery could have a good time in a puddle and my mom has a good time being with her. So those two were so happy. I went along, just to go and I am glad I did.

Emery went down the rapids in just her lifejacket..... no tube!
I was so proud of her. I told her how when I was a kid, Stacey and our cousins use to do go down without a tube too. I mentioned to her too that even Brodie, Stacey's dog went down the Comal River without a tube. After a couple of rides down together holding hands, she went solo, in her own tube and then as we were walking back to the ladder to ride again, I said we should try it without a tube. I was really just teasing her but she agreed! I am so glad she did too. The look on her face was sheer excitement and I know she was so proud of herself.

We are planning a trip back down to New Braunfels before the summer is over, to spend the day in the River and I am looking forward to seeing Stacey and Emery going down the River together!

Enjoy!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T16:42:00.004-05:00

Happy Easter!

I think it's been a month since my last post and Tiffy's eye looks fabulous and she has only one more appointment left, this coming week actually. I was just looking at my screensaver and I need to take a new picture of her with Coop and Tuck because her eye looks completely different now.
I'll add that to my to-do-list!

Happy Easter and Enjoy!

Basset Hounds Get Glaucoma? The Recovery

2009-03-07T06:11:00.002-06:00

Tiffy is doing fabulous! I did take pictures of her eye turning red, but in all of the pictures she squints. So you really can't tell the color of the her eye. Today, her eye is almost all gray, it looks cloudy, if cloudy was a color. Her stitches healed fine and she had to wear the cone, if unsupervised, for a week after her check-up. But I took it off of her early. She has one more check-up next week and then Dr. is checking the pressure in her good eye. We are now, watching the good eye for any sign of glaucoma. It can happen, fast and at any time. She has drops that we put in three times a day to help keep the pressure down and this she will be on for the rest of her life.

Tiff has adjusted to limited eye sight very well and you would never know she can't see out of her left eye. She is just a happy dog!

Basset Hounds Get Glaucoma? The Recovery: Week1

2009-01-31T05:52:00.006-06:00

This picture was taken 4 days after Tiffy's surgery. You can see in her left eye (right eye if you are looking at her picture) the swelling in the brow and there are a few stitches in her eyelid.

I know her right eye looks different but remember she is a basset hound and they have those droopy, red eyes. So far the right eye is a-okay. Tiffy's pathology report came back from, Elizabeth you will like this, The University of Wisconsin, I know you didn't go there but.... and she does have genetic glaucoma. Drats! That means that Tiffy will have to have drops put in her eye twice a day for the rest of her life. This Timodol slows down the disease, somehow? Not sure about that. I just know I have to do it!

This next picture was taken Wednesday, one full week after her surgery. And you can see how much the swelling has gone down. Plus, I noticed she was getting some movement back in her brow. I think it looks much better and she is now off of all pain medication. She just takes antibiotics, obviously!

See these pictures are not so bad, I'll have more in a day or so.

Enjoy!

Basset Hounds Get Glaucoma? The Recovery

2009-01-24T03:48:00.004-06:00

Yeah, Tiffy's surgery was a success!!! She is home now and adjusting well.
Tiff has a few stitches in her eyelid to help hold in the new prosthetic. She will have those stitches removed in two weeks, February 6th. She has a load of antibiotics, pain meds and anti-inflammatory plus a few topical creams as well. She didn't much like the topical in her eye but she has been rubbing her new eye inside the cone. I guess it itches as it is healing? Dr. Yu-Spheight said she would like to have a cold compress on the eye eveyone once in a while and I can see that with Tiff. She does lean into my hand when I hold a wet paper towel. I guess I'll need to get her an ice pack. She does have some swelling in her brow but this morning it looked much better.
Dinner time has been interesting to say the least - I hold her bowl for her and her treats but she has figured out that she can squash the cone inside the water bowl and it fills up with water so she drinks from the cone! She has wet neck, but at least she is creative.
The cone is a source of frustration for her! She is learning to pick up her head when she walks and she is doing fabulous going up and down the deck stairs. The first evening she was home, she crashed down the stairs and boy I thought I was in for something! But only after a couple of practice rounds, she is managing the stairs pretty good. I think by end of the two weeks the cone will need to be burned - it is already filthy and bent but as long as it protects her new eye - I am all for it.
Once Tiffy gets the stitches out, the new eye will go through some changes. Optic nerves will start growing around it and it will be mostly red, then one day they shrink back and then the true color of the eye is revealed. It will be black or sometimes they can be grey. Interesting isn't it? This recovery and they eye color change takes about a month, by March we will see the new and improved Tiffy!

I am going to post some before and after pictures - so if you are squemish - fair warning!

Basset Hounds Get Glaucoma? Who knew?

2009-01-18T05:52:00.005-06:00

Yes, Basset Hounds get glaucoma. It can be genetic and bassets are one of the breeds who commonly get glaucoma. I have had Tucker for 9 years, have read all kinds of articles ranging from the breeds tendency to get fatty tumors to the genetic make-up of their slober? One guy swears that if you use the remaining water in the dogs water bowl it will make your plants grow bigger! But I have never read anything about glaucoma, and it can be a disease which is genetically bred out of dogs, but I guess the right breeder hasn't done this? Too bad there is not a real Edgar Sawtelle. If you haven't read The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, I highly recommend it!

Back to my glaucoma story. It all started when Tiffy and I went to volunteer for the Basset Rescue back in December. There was a very sweet female basset named Tabitha there and she had had her eye removed because she had glaucoma. Apparently, unless glaucoma is identified within 24 hours, you cannot save the eye. I am guessing that the pressure builds up and puts such a strain on the optic nerves that several things happen, the lens becomes crushed and the detaches and then the fluid build can then restrict the duct opening and the pressure cannot leave the eye fast enough. So, Tabitha's foster mom, the woman who started the rescue, Francye told me her eye was so enlarged they had to take the eye. I did what most people do, I felt sorry for Tabitha. So, you know how things just get into your head but you are not really consciously thinking them? Tiffy, back in May was treated for "trauma to the optic nerve" she was given a topical ointment and spent the day at the Rescues vet's office. But other than that, nothing mentioned. Her left was just big after that. I didn't think much about it, and went on with my business. Once she ran out of ointment, I didn't ask for a refill or do anything for her eye? Strange huh? So, after seeing Tabitha, I Googled cataracts because I thought she might have those - that article led me to an article about glaucoma and WOW - once I saw and read the description, Tiffy fit it to a T!
We go see my regular vet, and he confirms my diagnosis and then tells me he will see her in two weeks, and here is some medicine. I didn't like his "treatment" plan so I went to the rescue's vet and got a second opinion, then they referred me to a dog ophthalmologist. Did you know there was such a field? There is, and in Round Rock! Dr. Yu-Speight is an Ophthalmologist and can work on humans or animals - that's cool!
Being very blunt with Dr. Whitehill, my second opinion, I said I didn't want Tiffy's eye removed. I know it's purely vanity which she doesn't posses one ounce of, but I didn't want her to look like Tabitha - there I said it. She is cute and chubby and is just adorable and I don't want people to look at her with pity! I already have Cooper who runs around basically with 3 legs, Tucker whose mental health is questionable and then to have Tiffy with one eye? Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me? I was going to do what I needed to do to get that dog a prosthetic eye! And I did!

Tiffy is going in on Wednesday and Dr. Yu-Speight will be replacing her iris with a silicone ball. She will stay overnight until Thursday and I then I am planning on taking a 1/2 day of school coming home Friday afternoon to be with her. She will have a couple of stitches in her eyeball to hold in the prosthetic and will have to wear the "cone" for a couple of weeks. She will also have drops for her new eye and she is already on drops for her good eye to help slow the process of glaucoma, if she is a carrier for the glaucoma gene! I will find out on Monday, if she indeed has genetic glaucoma or it could all be caused by a tumor. Dr. Yu-Speight told me there were three kinds and I cannot remember the third one - but genetic, caused by a tumor and something else. I guess there are pros and cons to all of them. If it is genetic she can at any time get it in her good eye!

I will have more to this story and will be documenting her recovering and I promise to keep the cone on her the entire two weeks! She is going to hate that!

Oh, Yes we did!

2009-01-18T05:32:00.004-06:00

We just finished our 2nd week of 2009 and I am on track - I have not missed one day of walking the dogs! That means I am on day 18 of walks. When we had our garage sale last Saturday, I even walked the dogs over to my parents house so that we could have a howling-free garage sale! The thought of all of that commotion makes my head spin.
Earlier in the first week of January, it was raining and cold, but we went anyway. On two mornings I must admit, that it was just around the block. I thought the water must be freezing on their feet. The dogs didn't complain about the short walk, so that is good! The rest of the time, from what I remember, was cold but not unbearable. I talk mostly to myself and prepare myself the day ahead. Practicing speeches I am going to give to my kids or even planning how I will write my Yearbook resignation letter - which I still have to do! So I am very busy in my head. Well, I do talk in a whisper but it's 5:00 in the morning, who is watching! Well, except for the creepy guys who walks in the park. George, my former foster, hated that guy - so I steer clear of him myself. I use to try to be nice and speak, but I am trusting Georges instincts now!
It is getting close to our walk time, I have a two bassets sitting at feet, exuding these mournful whines. How do they know what time it is?

Enjoy

New Year same Resolutions

2009-01-02T10:14:00.004-06:00

So who actually follows their new year resolutions? I guess we all try, at the beginning of the year. I was just talking to my Mom and we decided we would start our diets on Monday! No, sense in starting on a Friday, we still have leftovers and I still have some chex-mix! I have got to get that out of my house....and soon. So, I better eat it.

I am sure I have the same resolutions that I had last year. Loosing weight is always a resolution. I guess I better really stop smoking for good this time. I did quit for a year but I have been smoking lately. I thought at first that if I didn't buy them, then I wasn't really back to smoking but I think if you inhale, that is considered smoking! The things we tell ourselves!

So, I did have two new ideas, I tried to keep a conscience track of them last year but this year, I am going to document on my blog, the days I do not go on a walk with the dogs and I am going to list the books I read (or listen) to by month.

I thought I would take off on President Elect Obama's Yes, We Can! slogan and change my to Yes, we Did! I am not sure how I will document our walks, I did decide today I will make it longer and start wearing my heart-rate monitor watch again and I did add a calendar to my blog. But other than that, I am don't know how I will track my non-walks! I'll think about it.

I started my book list last year, but I forgot a few titles that I had read and couldn't remember the order. Now, this is a good time to start my new list of books. I am just about finished with Three Cups of Tea and will be starting Dewey, the book about the Library Cat -Sounds great. So, I have already added that to my new 2009 Book List.

The reason I am listing my books per month is not because, that is a great talent to read a book a month. I know people who can read a book in a weekend but I wanted to document the books I read in one year. I am not really a slow reader but I only read at night and it takes me about a month to finish a book; because I fall asleep and the book hits me in the face! I am surprised I didn't get a concussion when I read Edgar Sawtelle! That's a big book!

Those are my new and not so new Resolutions. I'll keep posting about my non-walks and my books-Enjoy!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-26T09:37:00.004-06:00

Again this Christmas, my family drew names for Christmas presents but we all got the kids presents. Actually, even if you didn't draw someones name, you still got a present. This year, I got the Johnson-Bell's a family gift, which I think I like that better. I'll have to remember that for next year!

We had a nice lunch and then began opening gifts. Emery was very excited and I think she ran out of gifts first! But she did get some really cool scrapbook supplies. She said she wanted to make Eli a scrapbook, so my Mom got her all fixed up. Emery also did some shopping for her parents this year too! A small lesson on how its better to give then to receive....but she is only 5!

Eli was a good sport through the entire day, he hasn't been feeling good lately and didn't take a very long nap but you would really never know it. He laughs and giggles a lot. He is a very good baby, almost toddler!

It was a great Christmas and as always, I am sad that it's over! I was very excited this year, I think because I too learned that it's better to give than to receive and I not 5!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Enjoy!

Bow Wow Slideshow from Smilebox

2008-12-21T07:47:00.001-06:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Helping Hands Basset Rescue

2008-12-21T04:52:00.004-06:00

Last week, Tiffy and I wrapped presents at Barnes and Noble to help raise money for the Helping Hands Basset Rescue. Last year, I wasn't able to do it, just because of scheduling but this year I made the time and was excited to participate. I don't know if Tiff was, but she did get lots of oooohhs and ahhhhs and lots of petting.

It's very interesting to see and hear people's reaction to Basset Hounds. They are surprised at how big they are and they always talk about their eyes and ears! Oh, and someone made a comment about Tiffy's weight! Do people have filters? You don't ask a female how old they are and you don't say the f- word! Tiffy is very comfortable in her own skin and is very happy with her curves! Just like all human women should be! Easier said, than done!

So, as we are hanging out in the entry-way of Barnes and Noble, this cute family comes up to pet the dogs. A new foster, Tabitha is there and this little boy kneels down and let's those two dogs lick all over his face! He is right at their eye-level and those two girls lick his mouth, his eyes and he is just loving it! I couldn't get my camera out fast enough but I did get one picture. Here it is and it's adorable!

Enjoy!

Smile Box - Sharing life's Moments

2008-12-21T04:32:00.004-06:00

A couple of months ago, my mom found this little scrapbook show on the BYU channel. One of the cool things about the show is there are no commercials and they show some new products which sets me to hunting on the internet - I have found two so far. So, she was on the scrapbook website and noticed a little icon called SmileBox. Curious, she clicked the icon and found this adorable site where you can make slideshows, postcards, e-cards and even add music to everything! Great little site, plus it's free. If you want more choices you can actually pay a fee, they always get you hooked first! So, she has made a few of the slideshows, they of course include Emery and Eli and they are adorable.

She just made her Holiday Smilebox and I wanted to add it to the blog - but so far, I can only figure out how to link this one to my blog, but just in case anyone was wondering, I did join Smilebox, so that I too can make my own slideshows and post on my blog! I can't wait!

So, here is the link to the Holiday Smilebox, Enjoy!

http://smilebox.com/playEmail/4e6a45334d7a51784d3377784d4459354f4467354e513d3d0d0a&sb=1

Ho Ho Ho

2008-12-14T17:42:00.004-06:00

On Saturday, My mom and Emery went with me to have the dogs pictures taken with Santa. It was a fundraiser for Helping Hands Basset Rescue and I couldn't resist. I needed the extra hands help me wrangle all dogs in the car. And it was an un-expected surprise that Emery got to come along too.

While we were driving over to Petsmart, Tucker and Tiffy were in the back-back and Cooper and Emery were in the back seat. Tucker was just a howling, well whining really. Mom, Emery and I started singing "Jingle Bells" thinking he might stop and listen but nooooo, he howled even louder. Emery finally said, "Will you stop it, you are giving me a headache Tucker!" He has never been a good car rider going to somewhere, but is much better coming back. I guess it's the anxiety of getting to go? I think it may be that he is a huge baby too.

Once we walked in the store, everyone oooed and ahhhed over Tiffy and Tucker and of course Cooper got questioned about her knee. Poor thing. She is a good sport, though

We had a good time and I am glad I took them. It's not the best picture but.....that's not why I went!

Happy Holidays everyone!
Enjoy!

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-30T16:36:00.002-06:00

I can't believe Thanksgiving has already past and the Christmas season is upon us! This year is going by fast and I guess if you are a teacher, the time is measured by holidays and vacations!

Thanksgiving was great, my parents and I went to my Aunt Dee's and Uncle George's in San Antonio. My cousin Steve was there too and no kids! The girls went to Dallas to visit the Johnson's and Ramsey, Steve's daughter was with her mom's family. Our Dinner was superb and I think I tasted everything on the buffet! My Aunt Dee makes this sweet potatoe dish, that is more like a dessert than a starch and the cornbread stuffing....yum-o! I think Steve put's sausage in it and boy that was good.

We also had great conversations, catching up on events and happenings and sharing dog stories too! For there to be so many different breeds in the world, it's amazing they are so much alike, I think for humans it's the same. Even thought we have differences, we still are all so much alike.

I am looking forward to the Christmas Season. Even though we "draw" names for gifts, I am still getting everyone in my family a gift. I have already bought quite a bit. Which I am so glad for, it's not even December 1st yet! And my Nee-Nee would be so proud of me too, I already have my Christmas Cards and I just made holiday labels featuring my dogs! Ready to go! In honor of her, I will plan to get those out this week! Thanks NN!

Oh, one last thing, Tiffany and I are volunteering to wrap gifts at Barnes and Noble in the La Frontera on December 15th. If anyone is out and about, stop by, I think I signed us up for noon or so! I am taking the day off, since I have a doctor's appt. So, I thought we should give back to the wonderful rescue group who found me my Tiffy! I swear, she makes me laugh everyday, everyday! Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and I hope your Holiday Season is just as delightful! Enjoy!

Before Trick or Treating

2008-11-09T06:35:00.000-06:00

Emery is so excited about Trick or Treating she can hardly stand it. We had to feed Eli first and while were do that she was acting silly in front of the Video Camera...imagine that, her acting silly! Here are few pictures of the kiddos and their adorable faces! Check out the Slideshow on the Right side -

Halloween 2008

2008-11-08T16:42:00.003-06:00

On Halloween night, I picked Emery and Eli up from school and we headed over to my house, to pick-up the dogs then we were going over for a ghoulish dinner at Nana's and Papa's.

My mom made Brains (spaghetti) False Teeth (apple slices with mini-marshmallows and peanut butter and even eyeballs (like deviled eggs but with a cream cheese filling. Not bad really. But I didn't get a video of any of that...you'll just have to take my word that it happened.

After Dinner, Emery was so excited to go trick or treating so, we hooked up the hound dogs, pulled out Mom's scooter and off the girls went! The boys;Dad and Eli, stayed at home to monitor the Election coverage on CNN! Here is a little of what happened while we were out Trick or Treating! Enjoy!

Eli Learns to crawl

2008-10-26T11:14:00.003-05:00

Last week Eli began crawing and by the time this video was shot, he was getting the hang of it.
He also had a great time with the camera, as you will see the footage that Eli shot. Kind of interesting what a 7 month old can do with a handy flip camera! Hope you enjoy the video because I enjoy making them.

Flight of a 5 Year old

2008-10-26T10:04:00.004-05:00

A couple of days after I got my Flip video camera, Emery took off to video a few things. The following video is what she came up! I just added the music but she did the rest! Enjoy!

Birthday Present

2008-10-19T15:54:00.006-05:00

A couple of weeks ago for my Birthday, my parents gave me the new Flip video camera. It's very easy to use and although I have taken some movies I haven't made one with all of the editing and titles and music.
This video of course it stars my three favorite characters; Tucker, Tiffy and Cooper. The pack really put on a show this morning and hammed it up for the camera. I have footage of the two bassets on our walk from the other morning and that is about the most boring thing ever. Now, if I had an athletic border collie who could catch frisbees I would show that, but since my dogs are known for their signature bays, I'll be focusing on that special talent.
Enjoy!

I know I mis-spelled serenade - I'll fix it later!

In Memorium

2008-10-12T05:09:00.008-05:00

Hello all, This is a very sad weekend, as my Nee-Nee passed away on Thursday morning. She was a wonderful woman, bright, full of life, independent and truly a faithful person. She had many friends who were her friends for years and years. She touched so many people, even my friends who she corresponded with by mail and cards. Passing on thoughts and wishes to them in a time of need or at holidays.

After listening to stories at her funeral yesterday, I do believe she is in a much better place, somewhere where she is with her dad, mom and her husband, Tommie; my Big Dad who she loved dearly. That makes me very happy for her. I will miss her, but I will think of her often. She inspired so much in me and I don't know if I took a love of nature from her or if that is just something we shared but I don't think that I can ever look at a violet and not think of her.

My Nee-Nee was a great grandmother, she was just so cool when we were growing up. She let us do so many things; took us on so many trips, and let us get away with all kinds of stuff. Mostly that she encouraged. She took us to R rated movies, let us drink whiskey and coke, and smoke! What you remember as a kid! She was also a great cook, loved a good garage sale and could sit and read for hours.

I know it will be hard to not have her here with us but as I am writing this, I am reminded of so many things we do have in common and that makes me very happy. I know I will never be the kind of person she was, but I can only be thankful that she was an integral part of my life and always will be. ILY Nee-Nee!

This video was a collaboration with my Mom. She scanned all of the pictures and I just added the music! We were planning to show it to her at her Birthday Party in September, and my Mom did show her some of it on their last visit. Nee-Nee loved it!

If you have some time, sit back and enjoy as we celebrate Charlene Collum! But grab some tissues first.

Back to School

2008-08-17T12:04:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I have added a post and now that school is getting ready to start, it be another while! I can't believe the summer has flown by! But I am excited about the new school year and I am hopeful that it will go smoothly. I am so more prepared this year, than last year.

I read a quote from Albert Einstein and it said: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results." Does that not fit school teachers, or what. I just wrote it in my first paragraph! I am expecting a better year than last year!

Well, to all of my School Teacher friends, here is to you, the crazy and the insane! Have a great school year and we will keep in touch.

Enjoy!

New Picture

2008-08-03T17:30:00.000-05:00

Here is a new picture of the Dogs. It's hard to get them to sit closer together. But now I have more treats, so I can try again. Enjoy!

Week 6: Reflections

2008-07-30T05:43:00.004-05:00

Web 2.0 Tool of Choice

First of all, this has been a terriffic class for me summer. I have enjoyed having something to do and think about and it has kept school in my thoughts this summer break. I feel like I have some great ideas for my classes, useful tools I can supplement my lessons with and a great way for me to communicate with my students and their parents.

To top it off, I have shared these tools with my family and friends and not only did my sister start her own blog - (Bonnie, you're next) I have been in touch with my friends too this summer, by commenting on their posts and vice versa. I even shared my blog with my next door neighbors.

So now on to the questions and answers:

How would you describe this course to a colleague?

This class would be worth your while, no matter what level of technology knowledge you have you will absolutely learn something. You will learn about some of the tools the web has to offer; such as blogs, podcasts, wikis, and even RSS Readers and if you don't have any idea about these now, you will!

What was the best part of the course and why?
For me, the best part of the course was the blog. I finally found a use for the original one I started last summer!

What will you take away from this course to use in your classroom?
I am definitely using the blog and wiki. I have decided to keep my Houndtracks blogs as my personal blog once school starts and to create a new one for school. I may use that as my "web page". Then I would like to link my wiki space to the blog so that I can post assignments, PowerPoint's, art links etc. Also, Mark commented too, that by using the wiki for my Teacher Web is not really what the intent of a wiki so I think I will make a "sandbox" page too for my Advanced Art students and Yearbook staffers. Thanks Mark, for that tip! That way, it's not just me adding to the content.

What is one thing you would change about this course for the next group?
I would increase the time commitment that is required - I know I spent more than two hours a day on some of the assignments. Now, I must say, I do get distracted easily, but I also teach swim lessons in the mornings. By the time I get home for lunch and my nap - my afternoon is pushing into evening and then I've got to get ready for happy hour! So, I can imagine that those who have kiddos really have to use their time wisely - I just have three dogs and extra-curricular activities!

Would you recommend this course to anyone else? Why or why not?
Absolutely! I would not only recommend, I would require it for all teachers! I think you guys need to do this again and again every summer until all teachers have had this class. I know Technology is not for everyone, but if I have to sit through TAKs training, then others should have to sit and learn this! This is fabulous!
Congratulations to you all - this class was informative, organized, creative, original and productive! Look at all what we have accomplished in 6 weeks!

Week 5: Reflections

2008-07-24T05:58:00.003-05:00

Media Sharing

Media Sharing - is posting or adding your photos, music etc. to a blog, wiki or common site for others to view.

I like the idea of using media sharing but.... I think it can be too much information for some people to give out and for others to see. I guess I am not ready for the public viewing aspect of media sharing. I had reservations about adding my vacation photos to my blog slide show, how much do I want to share?

I did learn the following things this week:

I added all of my pictures to Picasa and set-up a web account.
I put together a slideshow in Picasa and added it to my blog.
I added a picture of my dogs onto my wiki. http://finearts444.wikispaces.com/ and added this link too!
I linked both my wiki to my blog and vice-versa.
I added a powerpoint presentation onto my wiki
I added a video from Teacher Tube, which I am going to add it to my blog too.
I also learned that Google doesn't support audio files, yet. So, if I wanted to use my own music from iTunes, I would need to sign-up with another company to store my audio files and then I could add them as a podcast! Whew! But I will wait for Google-I am sure it will be so much easier and I don't mind waiting.

I am not sure how I am going to use the Media Sharing. I would love to get my Advanced Art students to create a on-line Art Porfolio using Flikr, Photobucket, Picasa etc. And I may present this to my Yearbook staff about, having some of our photos on Picasa for the school to look at or just for us. I think that would be a good use of the website and I might be able to use it to talk about what makes a good photo, maybe I could add a survey or poll. Then the student body could vote for a couple of pictures. Hmmm, I like that idea. I'll need to flush it out more, but a good start.

I would probably not use the playlist.com on my own. I like having music on my blog, but I don't know why I would really need it. I can add my own music to my blog later with Google. Plus, I didn't like that I was adding the music from someone else's blog and not directly from the artist.

If I can work on my idea to use Picasa to share some of the Yearbook photos, then I think I should use the photo sharing of this lesson, absolutely.

Week 4: Reflections

2008-07-17T17:45:00.003-05:00

Wiki - a collaborate website, used by members who have a common or vested interested in the website.

In this weeks lesson, on wiki's I learned just what a wiki was and how it can be used - the options are limitless. I feel good about my definition, I am sure it could be more inclusive but I think it represents what most people use them for and that is collaboration.

I also learned about the available sites that are out there to help us create wiki's. Not only do these sites guide you through the process, but you can have your own wiki account for free. I remember years ago, I worked for a small web development company and it was a huge thing for customers to have their own website, just look at us now, anyone can have one and for free!

I am planning on starting a wiki for my classes - at first I wanted one just for my Yearbook class but after using the introweb2 wiki, I have started one for all of my classes. I would like for this wiki to be linked or even replace my TeacherWeb page. Anyone have sugestions on how to do that? If so, I would love to hear about it.

I feel that will all of the tools we have learned about, I like them, but it all comes down to time! I think once you get the blog and the reader and the media sharing and the wiki in place, they can become assets to us and to our students.

I don't want to forget that I have a wiki, so I am copying Will and I have set-up a delicious account and hopefully I will remember my username and password to the site! If I link the wiki to my TeacherWeb then maybe it will jog my memory!

I am hoping I can use the wiki like I used my TeacherWeb site last year. I had my syllabus, assignments, calendars and I think I posted a few pictures of the kiddos working! Right now, that is what I hoping I will use it for.

Should you use this in the classroom or your educational role?
I don't see why not - a wiki is a collaborate website, used by members who have a common or vested interested in the website.

Riding a Pony with Eli

2008-07-15T17:34:00.003-05:00

Here is the latest video, one of Eli cracking up laughing! If zippity do dah didn't stick in your head -this song surely will! Enjoy!

Zippity Do Dah

2008-07-15T07:54:00.004-05:00

I found this video on my Mom's camera and thought I would play around and make another quick video. It wasn't quick by any means, well, converting the music was the hardest part. But the more I do it, the easier it is becoming.

Enjoy!

Week 3:Reflections

2008-07-07T16:25:00.003-05:00

Reflections on Podcasting

Thinking too Much

Last week was a crazy week - I was extremely behind in our Web 2.0 class, dragging my feet about what kind of my new computer I wanted and I was helping my parents out, since my Mom had knee replacement surgery a couple of weeks ago. I was trying to give them both a break....if you know what I mean.

I knew I needed to get a microphone for the podcast and I had not done that either, then I saw Will's screencast and listened to Michelle's podcast and WoW! I knew I was in a class with a bunch of "overachievers" and I had done diddley with my podcast! Time was running out on me and I have to do something.....but what?

I had googled several ways to use video in your podcast and watched others in our class and I couldn't come up with one thing. What could I make a podcast on? Hmmmm? I was thinking I could video a how to "make a card"podcast, but I would need someone to hold my camera then here comes the Fourth of July holiday and I read Robin's message: whew no new lesson, I was so relieved - this meant, I could think for a couple of more days, wonderful.

So, it's now Monday, I still had no idea what I was going to do and I started reading all of the great comments on my Tiffy video and wow my spirits have soared through the roof! I feel like Sally Field accepting her Oscar! I am so glad to read all of your nice comments. I have to admit, I didn't know I could use that for my podcast! I just put it on my blog, because my basset hound makes me laugh! You all have made my day! Thanks!

If you have stuck with me this far - here is all I did. I used a digital camera, followed Tiff around in the backyard for a while. I then used Movie Maker to edit the clips, added the song and the title/credits all with Movie Maker and then....the tricky part is that I had to change the ending or the format of the video so that it would upload to my blogger account. Not bad really. I googled how to change your format and found a great explanation on a website. I had it done in two hours! Now, how could I use this in my classes.....that I might need to think about a little more.

2008-06-29T17:08:00.005-05:00

Our First Video

I am not sure how I did it but I finally made a video with Tifffy howling! This was one of my goals this summer actually. I really wanted to get the dogs on YouTube, but this video will do for now. Maybe when I get my new computer I will be able to add more little movies.

We have a new dog park in town and I want to take the Bassets out to that too, and that would be great footage to add on to the blog as well. Enjoy!

Week 2: Reflections

2008-06-25T05:09:00.003-05:00

Learning about Readers or RSS

It's Wednesday and I have not fully finished my Week 2 assignments. I have a few things left to do but I did want to post most of it today.

What did you learn?
I knew I was going out of town and I did set-up my Google Reader last weekend. I didn't see how this was different than my gadgets on my igoogle homepage - I get news feeds and e-mail access, even Jon Stewart quotes right there on one screen. So, I wasn't sure that the reader was for me. I watched the Google video and began adding news subscriptions and that's when I saw that Tim Russert from NBC had suddenly passed away. I open it up the link and read the entire article, I was not only saddened but shocked. I listen to him on the radio driving to school in the mornings, and after a while, you feel you know a person. He will be missed.

I have now figured out how to added my reader to my igoogle home page and I am hoping that will help me read it more often to stay informed on the latest news and happenings in our world.

What RSS reader did you chose and why?
Like I mentioned above I chose to use the Google reader, I already have an account so it seemed easier at the time. I did check out Pageflakes, but when the TV listings didn't have my cable company, I switched back to Google! Some things are just deal breakers!

What “non-classmate” blogs did you subscribe to?
On my Reader I have added subscriptions to several different blogs, including three Art Education blogs, and two from ABC and NBC news. I have added a few from my friends as well but those are in my Fun folder.

What made you chose those blogs? and How will you use what you have learned?
I do want to use my blog for educational purposes so I am looking for blogs or websites that will provide me with ideas and information I can use in my class or even in my lessons. The more I know, the better prepared I will be as a teacher.

How did you feel about this tool?
Like I mentioned above, I am not sure this is any different than one of my igoogle gadgets. Maybe I will find the Art Education feeds more informative, but I can get the news from other sources.

What do you not want to forget about this tool?
I don't want to forget to go and delete links and mark them as read! I had over 1000 articles this morning!

How can this be used in the classroom or in your educational role?
Should you use this in the classroom or your educational role?
Yes, if there are boundaries for our students. For the reader, I could use it two ways in my classroom,. One way is, I could have students find art related articles, like, for example; last fall, Hugh Grant put up for auction an original Andy Warhol painting, not the famous Marilyn, but still. He bought the painting for 1.5 million and it sold for something like 3 million - not a bad investment! The second way, would be for students to see what other students are doing and creating and making in art classes around the country. Those ideas are just off the top of my head but it is something to consider.

What questions do you still have about this tool?
I was pretty self-explanatory - I watched the video and began adding in subscriptions. But I was leery about home much information was coming in and thinking I could never read this much! I just have a feeling that when school starts......busy, busy, busy!

The Middle of June...already?

2008-06-22T06:37:00.000-05:00

It's a busy summer

I just got back last night from a three day Yearbook workshop in the Big D and it was great!

P.S.Vicki, you are going too, right? It was really nice and very well done. From the hotel, to the food to the schedule to the breakout sessions ; it was well worth it.
Laura Walters, the new Yearbook advisor from Walsh and I found that Marilyn Scroggin's class to be far more informative. It was a "Beginner" section and I still found it very helpful. I have sponsored Yearbooks for 6 years but mine don't even compare to the ones shown at the workshop. The teachers who are teaching these sessions are really good and are really serious about Yearbook design and really sweet to offer so much free advice. I am definitely a beginner compared to them!

So my summer is going great, I have been asked to foster another basset and am having a hard time saying No. I did say I would think about it, I think- I hope. But if I don't stand strong will find myself with four dogs! Yikes! I do think that Cooper will either run away if I get another basset or will seriously consider moving in with my parents! She is a pretty good sport. If anyone is interested in Fostering, this girl, her name is Annabelle and just needs a temporary home! Check her out here: http://www.hhbassetrescue.org/available.asp

My mom had knee replacement surgery last Tuesday and is doing very well. She is home and managing her walker and my Dad even better! I went over today to help her a bit and she is moving her knee quiet well. I was impressed! More on her recovery later!

Week 1: Reflections

2008-06-10T18:00:00.000-05:00

How time Flies

I created this original blog last summer and then asked myself, what would I do with it? Well, now I know. I am going to use it for my Web 2.0 class this summer.

I have been playing around with this for the last couple of days and I think this is awesome. I am not a great writer, my sister is the writer in the family but I do love the creative aspect of blogging and I probably got a bit carried away with the little add-ons, I think it does look a bit like my iGoogle home page too, now that I think about it.....hmmmm? I will need to focus more and not be fooled by shiny, flashy things that are dangled in front of me!

Through the process I have just completed; making and updating my blog, I have found that I need a larger computer screen, because I have to refer back to our class blog page; (Robin's page) contstantly to check things out. I have also learned that I don't know as much about technology as I think I do!

Like I mentioned above, I do like blogging, but I also like reading the other teachers blogs too. Good to see what others are putting on theirs as well. I would hope I could continue with my blog. I know this summer I have more time to type and take my time but as school starts, I know I will become busy. I hope I can continue with my blog, updating as life happens.

The one thing I don't forget is some of the vocabulary. Tags, Posts, I still don't know who or what Atom is and I think I have subscribed to Robin's blog several times -woops!

As an educator, I think a blog is an excellent way to communicate not only with students but with parents, administrators and even other team members. I do believe we need to have filters and not everything should be published but only what is relevant to our role. I think my students would like my blog, seeing pictures of my dogs and my new Avitar (pretty cool) and reading some of my favorite things is fine. Also, having the information right there on-line for them is a great idea. I think my yearbook class would be the one class I would start out with and that brings my reflections to question number 5 - How can this be used in the classroom or in your educational role? I'll need to think about it some more. I am sure as the class goes on this summer, I will come up with a better answer. Right now, I think it would be time consumming to teach my Yearbook students how to set up a blog, but I think I could be the one who types the daily/weekly agenda on-line and they would have to check it for assignments and deadlines.

The Latest

2008-06-10T17:05:00.000-05:00

Being a Foster Failure

When I first started fostering for the HHBR, I heard other volunteers and boardmembers talk about foster failures, these are the fosters who have like me, volunteered to take in a basset hound until the right family is found. We care for the dogs, take them on walks, feed them and bring them to the Meet and Greets on Saturdays. We also talk to the possible families and help match the right family with the right dog. In March of this year, I too fell into the catagory of a foster failure....Yes, I adopted Tiffany!(I have shortened it to Tiffy)

Tiffy came to me as a temporary foster and after couple of weeks, I was hooked. I couldn't stand the thought of her leaving and going to live with another family. She is spunky and querky and I think you can see she is adorable too. She matches, not just with Tucker's coloring, but matches with my family of dogs. She brings out the playfulness in both Cooper and Tucker and provides me with lots a laughs! Who can ask for more? I'll try to add in her bark, on my blog....it's a hoot to hear...well my neighbors would probably disagree that at 7:30 in the morning, it's not funny.

HoundTracks

2007-07-24T18:21:00.000-05:00

Welcome to HoundTracks

I have been fostering Basset Hounds with the Helping Hands Basset Rescue as most of you know and I have my latest one is named George. That is Georgie below.
George is a good dog, he doesn't like these crazy thunderstroms we are having but he is getting doing better. I am trying to apply the Dog Whisper's, Cesar Millan methods and I think it's really helping.
Update: George was adopted in March of 2008 and is doing great with his new family. I even got a call from his new Mom - I loved hearing how good he was doing and I am so happy for him.