Ann's Weblog

Was glad to have a little paying work today, I groomed this delightful Yorkshire Terrier, Pikachu.

At her owner's request, I tried a rather different style with this "client": I clipped much of the fur from her tiny feet so that Pikachu wouldn't be so bothered by snow and ice crystals building up between the pads. I think it's a great idea for winter for dogs with hairy paws. (Click on the thumbnails for a larger portrait to view or print out.)

I "babysat" (provided daycare for) my friend's dogs Morag and Foxy again this week. The sisters have become long-legged beauties; at this age many puppies have an "ugly duckling" stage: NOT so for them! Am I biased? Yes, indeed.

I also groomed "Snoopy", a regular client who is part Fox Terrier, part Yorkshire Terrier, and total gentleman and sweetie.

I am glad to report that I seem to have shaken "the blues". There's no rational excuse for me to feel so sad (I wouldn't call what I have "depression"... more like melancholy), but I do feel relieved when the grey mood passes.

Am very excited to see my daughters in Calgary; two of them live there, and one is flying back from Argentina next week (unless she has changed her mind and extended her stay). We always have a great time visiting and eating great food in restaurants, sometimes shopping. I need to visit my stepmother, who also lives in Calgary. She is, in general, lonely, and troubled by realities of what lies ahead in her life. Whatever conversations she thinks we need to have, I'm opened minded to.

The weather has been great today, mild and clear. Gary split a bunch of firewood and hauled it all indoors. The warmer temperatures and high winds have resulted in our parking area being just like a skating rink, so we try to greet customers at the cars so that THEY don't have to walk on the ice, and we have spread some gritty stuff on it. The gritty stuff that I found in my shop? Chick starter! Hey, it's biodegradeable, and we won't be raising chickens again any time soon.

We're having cheese blintzes tonight (yippee) and some plain meatballs with the main attraction.

Thanks for checking my blog.

~Ann

That's what I have today! I got out a packet of the photos that I had "sorted" (or at least shuffled) last week, and scanned dozens on our new scanner.

I don't know how a scanner could fail, unused for a few months, just sitting. Our "old" scanner had been very trustworthy and the software easy to use; however, when I went to use it for a relatively urgent matter for a daughter, it creaked and groaned and refused to scan. The light "lit", but the thing that "glides" didn't budge. Rather than find a person in our small town who would fix it, we ordered a new one, which is more compatible with this computer, anyways.

This afternoon, while Gary worked very hard clearing snow AGAIN, I scanned photos. Once again, I got a profound sense about the passage of time, the briefness of a lifetime, and how much I miss my daughters. Thank goodness they are well and relatively happy, but I miss them every day and wonder constantly what they're doing.

Looking at photos and reflecting on lives and times also leads to some resentments and regrets; I suppose most people have 'em! All of THAT led me to the delightful life that I have now, so how much regret should I have? My daughters are lovely women now, respected and appreciated by many, and that is of the most importance.

I started a notebook about "resentments and regrets", but not only did I neglect to add to it, I even forgot that I'd started it! I came across that forgotten book in a drawer of blank Christmas cards that I keep for the occasional YEAR that I send any cards out. Needless to add, having such a book has not been the catharsis that I'd hoped.

OMG... the Robert William Pickton trial has started, and now the media is telling some of the grisly evidence that has led to that man being on trial for 6 of the 26 women that he is actually accused of killing (he claims to have killed 49, but has pled "Not Guilty" in court!). Very difficult times are ahead for jury members, victims and families. How can monsters live among us, with impunity, without notice?

This is an occasion that we have no boarders at the Pet Hostel. See previous boarders at: our Pet Gallery. Of course, we still have the company of cats Gilbert and Kelly, dogs Lady and Buddy, and the guinea pig Squeak.

Thank you for stopping. I feel weary and am going to nap for a short while before dinner, which is chicken and garlic roast vegetables.

~Ann

I did take some picture of beloved canine friends, nevertheless.

Above are Beowolf and Chester, who belong to our friend Keith. Both are very easy to have around and are quite accustomed to visiting at the Pet Hostel.

Zena, the rottweiller, and Katie, the Jack Russell Terrier, are staying with us this weekend, too. As you can see, Katie is particularly fond of relaxing with Gary, and Zena would too, except that she's a bit large for the lap.

We had our usual Sunday brunch with friends and since coming home, I've been scanning photos for a project. Now, I'm hanging out with you fine folk.

I watched a movie last night, "Tsotsi", which is a profound and disturbing film from South Africa (subtitled).

Made cream puffs yesterday... first in a LONG time! The recipe, as it was, made only FIVE largish puffs, so they are... gone.

I'm uninspired today; will maybe write more later.

~Ann

Above is "Bear", a terrier poodle mix who has been a client for several years. When his mistress brings him to me, Bear's heart is pounding, and he shakes and looks terrified. As soon as I start his "spa" treatment, he is absolutely fine, relaxed and cooperative. When Bear is groomed, his coat resembles a Persian Lamb coat, which I'm familiar with because my mom had one, in the same colour!

What is Lady thinking? That the guinea pig is "lunch", more than the kibble in front of her? When I hold "Squeak" on my lap, Lady looks anxiously at the pig without trying to paw, lick or bite him. I don't know what would happen if the two were without supervision, and I don't want to take the chance of the pig suffering harm.

Yippee, my middle daughter is coming back from Argentina in 10 days. I will go down to Calgary to visit with all three daughters and my stepmom. I think that my travelling daughter was tempted to stay in South America, and I'm sad if she doesn't want to come "home", but it will be wonderful to see her.

I groomed two Shih Tzus yesterday, and a large Golden Retriever today. I have been neglecting to take pictures of EACH client/boarder. Lately I've found it impossible to log on to my website's administration pages to change things THERE. As WELL, I managed to "screw up" several pages on my website, and had to remove the links TO THEM, until I can understand where I went wrong (they are showing up as pages of HTML or CODE, only!).

*Sigh* I might just have to CHAT in the Yahoo Gardening Room today.

Thanks for stopping at my weblog. Please note that I managed to add links to my "ARCHIVES", although I haven't figured out what has become of all the blog pictures I once had!! There's always a new quandary where computers are concerned. ~ Ann

My first attempt at adding a video clip to Blog. Thank you, Shelly, for sharing this with me.

~Ann

I provided this golden retriever with toe nail trim and all-over brushing today. Ripley is a real sweetie, and stoic. She is keeping her eye on her master, anxious to go.

I've had a very quiet day today, and I don't mind a bit.

I stayed up too late last night trying to make a guinea pig photo gallery and "helpful links", of all things, to share with a friend. As well, doing such a thing provides "back up" for pictures, whether of pets or "more important" images.

Yesterday evening in Chat, I argued vehemently with a fellow about Global Warming. He is saying that there is "no such thing". Now, I am not a scientist, but the evidence is clear to me. I recommended the guy watch Al Gore's documentary An Inconvenient Truth for convincing presentations about climate change and related matters.

It is beyond me why some people spend a great deal of time REFUTING the ominous signs of the destruction of our world and our species (and all species), when there ARE things that each of us can do to make a difference. Gary and I do not live as "green" as we could, but we are doing many things that are environmentally sound; it just puzzles me why folks would argue AGAINST environmental protection or living things.

Anyone who knows me well realizes that I have a fondness for guinea pigs. While to many other adults, they are mere rodents and not much different than hamsters or gerbils as pets, to me, they are charming little animals. The creature itself smells clean, and even their "waste" does not have an acrid smell.

I adopted Squeak from a young lad who has become more and more allergic to guinea pigs over time. I told him that I used to have dozens of piggies, but that I had been without one for some years, and would LOVE to care for his. There was a time that I took guinea pigs to "shows", won trophies and sold babies to both "fanciers" and pet stores.

I made a page with a cute story about a guinea pig named "Sooty", and some interesting links. My Guinea Pig Page

With Squeak settled in on our cozy porch, I went back to town, to the Chinese restaurant, to have lunch with my friend M.. We had such a nice visit, and I took a hot Chinese lunch home to Gary as well.

The temperature outside today is -18˚ Celcius. Last night it was nearly -30˚ C., which is about -22˚ Farenheit... bitter cold on either scale!

We just have one boarder now, "Taya", the Caucasian Mountain Dog, see blog post from January 4th. She is accustomed to being here occasionally, and doesn't seem stressed at all. She also has a great coat for the cold, and a dog house.

All for now, gang. I might go check into the Yahoo Garden Chat room, with trepidation. There have been many heated debates lately about politics, religion and racial issues, and though I often feel rattled by such, my curiousity always wins out. I want to see who believes what, and have come to feel I know some of the chatters.

Thank you for the audience. Love, Ann

This sweet little girl, who has the coat of a "cockapoo", is actually a fairly BIG girly, probably at least 40 pounds. She's built rather like a basset hound. Maggie handles her time at the "dog spa" with aplomb; she seems to enjoy Gary, me, and Lady, our dog. This is the only guest who will jump into the bathtub upon a simple request from me.

Little Rambo (see post from Jan. 8) went home this morning. His owner is out of the hospital pending some more tests and further treatment. Our friend is in good spirits. She and her youngest son brought me a gift: a FIVE kilogram bucket of doggy treats! The most upsetting aspect about coming HOME, was that her little car was completely buried in snow! I forgot to ask whether someone had cleared a path to her house, in her absence, but I imagine a friend or son had done so.

Made Gary a banana cream pie while I was waiting for Maggie to be picked up.

Wish you were here.

Love, Ann

The temperature last night went to -28˚ Celcius (about -18˚ Farenheit); again, this is hardly a record for winter "extremes" but somewhat of a shock nevertheless. We have had melting conditions, rain, and this bitter cold within just a couple of weeks.

This morning, as Gary looked out the bedroom window, he said, "Well, look at that!". I thought he was studying the thermometer at first, but then realized that he was looking 'way out into the back yard. There stood a cow moose, as nonchalent as you please, nibbling branches. Though common in our area (a valley between the Rocky and the Cariboo Mountain Ranges), we rarely see one this close to the house. We assume that this is because of the dogs both in kennels and at large, though we would never allow dogs to chase wildlife.

Today I received an email from my daughter who is exploring Argentina. It makes my day! Safe travels, Darling!

Yes, I DID make it into McBride for shopping, banking, mail, and coffee, yesterday.

Since some of you ask, we had beef stroganoff, rice, and "Blackwood Garden" peas last night for dinner. Tonight it's Indian Butter Chicken and some kinda stirfried vegetables, with rice.

Take care everyone. I'm going back to grooming "Maggie" and hope to be able to share a picture of her later.

Love, Ann

While hardly a record breaking amount, we have had more snowfall than we are accustomed to. We have far more than we are amused by. Gary and I purchased a snowblower last winter, and used it ONCE, just for fun, and this season it has been invaluable.

Gary worked for hours yesterday... 4 or 5 or more, clearing paths and kennels and part of the driveway. Our neighbour very kindly ploughed the rest of the driveway with his big tractor. The snow really never stopped falling all day and night.

Except for our dinner out in town on Monday night (which was mediocre, except for the atmosphere and company), I hadn't been away from home for days. This morning I was VERY keen to get to McBride for mail, groceries, drinking water, and to do laundry. I felt overdue to visit whichever friends I could find at the coffee shop. When I took a look at our driveway, I thought, "That's not so bad!"... and proudly announced to Gary that I didn't think I'd have any trouble getting out.

As I left the yard in my trusty 4 wheel drive truck, I hesitated as I looked down our road... there were sizeable DRIFTS down there. Soon, however, I was past the point of "no return" and, though I was trying to pick up speed to blast through those drifts, I eventually found myself thoroughly bogged down in heavy snow.

I was only a few yards from the end of the driveway, but the snow was very deep, and Gary determined that we could more easily shovel the truck out in order to BACK back up the driveway. I was all for just waiting for help: waiting until our neighbour could just PULL the beast through the last drift. I walked back up to the house and couldn't get an answer at the neighbour's, so we just shovelled, and shovelled and shovelled.

Finally, after a few attempts and even more shovelling, Gary hopped into my truck, and suggested, "Why don't you get in the back.". I had noticed that we didn't have the lengths of railway "rail" in the back for weight, and you know where this is going, don't you? It was I who provided a wee bit more weight for traction. Okay... not such a wee bit. It was unnerving to ride back there as the the truck careened backwards, up the hill, through the drifts that I had just run through, but Gary's expert driving saved the day. We finally got up the hill, and now the truck is out of the way for the snowblower and neighbour's tractor... and I'm housebound again. This will be temporary, and probably some time today, I'll be able to get to town.

I've been in the Robson Valley for almost thirty years. We used to have a lot more snow every winter; a few times at the farm in Dunster I even trudged in snowshoes over the tops of the fences in order to feed cows their square bales. I did so with baby in the backpack, and it didn't even seem a hardship. NOW when we get even 2 feet of snow in a short time, as we have this week, it seems a huge inconvenience. We used to say that we got 4 to 6 feet of snow normally; also we didn't have so many occasions when it all melted away, which it seems to these past few years.

Yesterday I spent many hours sorting photographs, but to say that they ended up "sorted" would be a stretch. I smiled and cried and shuffled pictures, but what a job it was, and often hard to categorize the images. Are they sorted as to which child is in which or vacation (of which there were few) or location or occasion? I owe my ex-husband these, or copies of these, but the task is absolutely daunting. I gave him the negatives of these, all in a jumble worse than the mess of photographs themselves, and I have a measure of guilt. We've ordered a new scanner as the old one has mysteriously quit working since its last use. I need more "hibernation" time, which is not for sleeping and reflection, but for paperwork, taxes, reading, sewing and such. I'm not fooling everyone... it is also time for Internet surfing, email and chatting.

I'm almost never bored, and though I'm "snowed in" again, I will get busy at SOMETHING here: the biggest issue is to choose what is most pressing. For a few minutes, YOU were at the top of the priority list!

Love you all for checking in. ~ Ann