Fancy Footwork

The Laziest Blogger in the Universe Returns

2005-11-07T03:35:00.000-08:00

Well actually, it's not that I'm lazy...just overextended. Still not a good excuse for neglecting my blog. All 15 feet in the form of my two dogs (one being a 3-legger) and two cats are enjoying the cool November weather. I, on the other hand, am not! It hasn't even been truly cold yet and I've already had my furnace on several times. Wondering how much fuel might be in the tank('ya mean you gotta fill that thing?) I checked the gauge a couple days ago. All it displayed was the number 10. I'm not 100% certain about what this represents, but guess it may likely mean the tank is 10% full. However...MAYBE it means 10 drops because I have no heat at all now. Fortunately it's fuel oil and not propane. I had a propane tank when I lived in the house before this one and was often reminded to not let the level go below 30% and the dangers of propane fumes seeping into the house when nearing the empty point. I don't think I'm being slowly overcome by poisonous fumes at this very moment, but I am cold!! My mom keeps suggesting I order some thermal underwear from Laugh At The Cold (ever heard of it?). It is very warm but a bit pricey. I'll have to investigate their inventory today. Ayyy!!! I hate being cold!

I'm Still Here!

2005-10-09T04:30:00.000-07:00

October...

Fall is here. September had many 80 to 90 degree days and I savored each and every one, but I knew it couldn't last. The chill is definitely in the air and for the most part I have put away my shorts and replaced them with jeans, put away the t-shirts and pulled out the sweatshirts. Needless to say, having a designer wardrobe is not top priority with me. I've been taking Louie and Chuck to the park where I ran all summer. They can't go and run off-leash in the summer because there are too many campers and too much traffic. Now there are still some campers on the weekends but things are quiet during the week. One afternoon last week it was actually a bit too quiet and rather scary! I was trying to get out in between thunderstorms but about ten minutes away from the car on the end leg of the run the sky turned black and the wind was whipping. I had to walk bent over to keep going. It was one of the rare occasions when I had no trouble coaxing the dogs into the car. They didn't want to be out in the storm either!

Chuck (Jack Russell terrier) sometimes growls when it thunders but neither of them pant or shake, as did Haley, the Maltese my parents had and later I had. She was the sweetest thing in the world but she was terrified of thunder. She would pant like she'd just run 20 miles and shake furiously. She gladly went into her kennel just for the sense of protection it gave her...or so I am assuming. She did the same thing in the car...the nervous panting and shaking. We tried to put her at ease in the car but she never did get over her fear. She had a heart murmur so car rides and thunder were avoided whenever possible! Haley also had bad teeth and horrible breath, but oh what a sweetie!! She had many admirers.

Returning to the present...as we were walking this afternoon there was a wedding and reception going on at the shelter house. It was a huge group! By the time we passed by the wedding was over and the reception had started. There were lots of people outside during the post wedding/pre-serious partying period. Chuck, being the attention monger he is, promptly headed over to make his presence know and get whatever attention and food he could. People usually don't seem to mind this habit of his but I'm always worried he is going to go inside the shelter house and lift his leg in front of everyone or Lord knows what else. But he is just content to sit with whoever will dote on him until I come, pick him up, and haul him to the car with an apologetic "I hope he wasn't a problem." Almost..yes, almost, 100% of the time they reassure me that he was a good boy and say how sweet he is. I won't go into the rare exceptions at this time.

I did see a hematologist about my armpit lump and low blood counts. Much to my surprise and tremendous relief he did not diagnose me on the spot as having cancer. He put me on iron supplements and told me to I needed to eat more and run less. By this time I had resigned myself to the fact that I would not be going to Louisiana to help with the animal rescue group. There were just too many things going against it.

On a lighter note, to wrap this up I have sold three things on Ebay in the past few weeks! I'm in a baking mood and see there are others selling their goods on Ebay. I will post some pictures later today (Sunday). Give me a holler if anything catches your eye!

Oh... before I go I do have to say while Chuck is always on the lookout for new people, places, things, etc., there is Louie, always at my side. He's my bodyguard and always stays with me....know what? I love that guy... Please take a look at my "inventory" later today and send any comments, suggestions, questions, or requests via email.

My Bakery Gig

2005-09-30T15:11:00.000-07:00

A dozen fresh from the oven chocolate chip cookies...mmm!

A dozen chewy chocolate caramel bars. These have a cookie dough crust on the bottom and crumbled on the top. In between is a layer of luscious chocolate and caramel with a bit of coconut.

This is a very mild but flavor packed rye bread, soft in texture unlike some rye bread. Fantastic taste!

A dozen peanut butter chocolate bars. Here we have peanut butter cookie dough assuming the form of a bar with delightful results. The top layer is chocolate, similar to fudge in consistency, and sprinkled with plain M&M candies.

This honey wheat bread is out of this world good. Rich in taste, soft, just the right degree of "wheatiness." ...A superb loaf of bread.

IF YOU WISH TO ORDER ANYTHING PLEASE EMAIL ME WITH SPECIFICS. SEE "VIEW MY PROFILE" OFF TO SIDE. I WILL CONTACT YOU THE SAME DAY FOR NAME, ADDRESS, FORM OF PAYMENT, ETC.

Each item is $5.00. Shipping is $6.00, US Postal Service Priority Mail, with delivery in 2 to 3 days. I will bake as soon as payment is received and ship the same day. If you aren't 100% satisfied I will refund you in full! Payment accepted via check, money order, or credit card through PayPal.

Planning My Funeral

2005-09-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

I should have known something would further complicate my "mission" of helping the animals. In my previous post I neglected to detail exactly what I was intending to do so I will now tell you. Shortly after Katrina hit New Orleans and the massive evacuation was underway I became aware of a group called Pasado's Safe Haven and their call for volunteers to help rescue abandoned pets in the hurricane affected area(s). Immediately I emailed the contact person and had a phone call and email back within about 30 minutes. The only thing was - I had to be in Houston, flying in to meet their group in less than 24 hours. I wanted to go but I couldn't tie up all my loose ends that quickly, i.e. my job, my own animals, getting bills paid, etc. Louie and Chuck have never, ever been kenneled since I have had them, six and five years respectively. Yet I knew that was my only choice as I couldn't easily find anyone to take care of them at home. The cats would be alright, I thought, as long as a neighbor, friend, or family member checked on them twice a day and put out fresh food and water.

Long story short: Four weeks later Pasado's is still saving animals in the New Orleans area, actually still finding some just BARELY alive, unable to walk and emaciated. I let the lady know I would be leaving Tuesday morning. However, over the last few days a slightly swollen lymph node in my left armpit became more difficult to ignore. Sunday I felt achy and like I was getting the flu. Monday morning first thing I saw the doctor. I wanted to just go and forget about it but (damn it all....) knew that whatever this was wouldn't just vanish on its own. I'm now on an antibiotic and will know blood test results Wednesday morning.

Sunday night I did my research and was soon convinced beyond a doubt that I have cancer - lymphoma, Hodkin's, non-Hodgkin's, but cancer...scary word there. I am afraid - but the not knowing is making me sick in and of itself. I hope to still be helping with the animals and make the trip - I just don't know.

"Sha la la la la la...Live For Today..."

2005-09-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

Why Worry? - Plant Yourself In The Midwest

Living in a hurricane zone? Move to Iowa. We have homes available this very moment. We will bake cookies or a nice tuna casserole for you while you're busy getting settled. Oh, we have a bit of the white stuff for a few months out of the year but a good shovel and a strong back are all you need. Think about it folks!

P.S. I almost forgot the best part.. lots and lots of CORN!

New Study Reports Neglected Blogs Always Get Even

Now who put that there??

Sometimes You Just Know

With me such times are rare. I have a hard time making decisions and following through. Right now there are some animals and people that could use my help. Let it be said that in the past 48 hours I was reminded of some of my less than wise choices (though they didn't seem so at the time) and began to wonder if my whole life had been a series of one bad decision after another.

Hogwash! I've done a few things to at least temporarily make the world a better place. Now I'm going to do some more. Make my blog say "Just what I needed... Yum Yum! I let you live for now."

....to be continued...

2005-09-20T04:27:00.000-07:00

Crazy old dude...count the chicks.
Exploring Art Session One

2005-09-12T02:14:00.000-07:00

This is for you Ol' Hoss!!

Corn.......Loved By Man and Beast Alike

2005-09-12T01:09:00.000-07:00

It's just about harvest time and the farmers are gearing up..getting their combines and grain bins ready. All that work...just for this thing called corn. Pretty tough bugger I do have to say! Cornbread anyone?

Ho Hum

2005-09-10T00:41:00.000-07:00

I am alive and well here in Iowa. Everything in my life of late vastly pales in comparison to the disastrous circumstances in New Orleans and other hurricane devastated areas. That's it. Thanks for stopping by!

Dedicated to Seven

2005-09-02T03:14:00.000-07:00

New Orleans, September 2005. Things are just going from bad to worse. This is the most devastation, destruction, and utter chaos I have seen in my life. Obviously the folks who left the city on Sunday made the best choice. What about those who stayed? Why did they refuse to leave? To protect their property perhaps, but also I think because they simply didn't believe it was going to happen the way it did. This is the kind of thing we hear about routinely in other countries but not here. I have always been skeptical when it comes to severe weather warnings - I admit it. It will go north or go south. The National Weather Service is just trying to get us worked up - it's all "predictions" that more often than not are relatively mild in the end. Tornado warnings? No basement for me... I want to stand on the porch and see the skies in action.

Then...this time all the warnings turn out to be worth their weight in gold. Katrina did indeed hit New Orleans, nearly (?) obliterating the entire city. Yes there are many survivors but as far as I can tell there is no area left unscathed. And to be there now...having lost everything? My God! I am dumbfounded every time I turn on CNN. First were the people on their roofs waiting, hoping to be rescued. Then the thousands seeking shelter in the Super Dome. Monday and Tuesday passed. There are some people in any city anywhere on planet Earth who have it written on their soles to use a bad situation to their best advantage. You know what I'm talking about. The looters went to work in full force within a matter of hours. So there's a camera man and a reporter watching it all..big deal! Gotta get when the gettins' good. But this is small beans compared to the out and out guerilla warfare state that has settled in and spread like the plague.

People are mad. Hah! Mad is not the word...ready to kill is a better way to put it. Think of it: No water, food and most all supplies are dwindling, no electricity, and no way to communicate. The last is the the worst I believe. Not knowing. Where is my child? Have we been forgotten? When,why, where, how, what??????!!!!!!!!

And death - everywhere..bodies..rats..filth. I'd be near the brink of insanity myself.

I plan to watch "How You Can Help" on Saturday evening. I want to help as do millions of others. I don't have a lot of cash to donate but I have my hands and two strong legs. I would go in a heartbeat. We shall see.

Talkin' Trash

2005-08-31T20:28:00.000-07:00

Summer…it will be over soon. Woe is me!! I have been breathing in every moment of these past few warm days. Generally I take Louie and Chuck to either one of two places for walking and running. Both have areas that are essentially free of any traffic, allowing me to let them run – no leashes. Despite the lack of vehicles, however, people still find their way to these places and “sign the guestbook” so to speak in the most annoying ways. What I am talking about is “TRASH.” I am amazed at the garbage that is simply tossed out wherever, whenever – even when there are plenty of waste receptacles. Maybe it’s a reflection of the way I was raised and the era of my youth, but I still vividly remember the “Keep America Beautiful” commercial with the Indian guy, tear running down his cheek as he looked upon the filth of a once sacred land.

I wonder what makes some people so oblivious to their environment and the upkeep of such. Are their rooms or houses full of trash? That being said, I make it a habit to pick up trash almost everywhere I go. I once had a friend who was obsessed with picking up cigarette butts whenever she saw one on the ground, she couldn’t stop herself it seemed. I am not quite that fanatical. Admittedly, there are some things (used disposable diapers for example) that are off limits, but unfortunately there are enough other haphazardly disposed of materials to keep me busy for a very long time. Anyway, I’m getting pretty darn good at it! Louie and Chuck help whenever possible.

Stay Away From My Tail!!!

2005-08-27T13:55:00.000-07:00

I should have known something was up with my cat Scamper. Tuesday evening he had the look in his eyes that says "I don't feel so hot." I believe in this look after seeing not only Scamper but many, many other cats with the same look in their eyes when they were indeed sick or injured. Well, I let it go. The next day I was petting old Scamp and felt a big lump on his tail right at the top - just about where it meets with the body. It took me about two seconds to know it was exquisitely painful to touch. He made more noise, howled, cried, hissed...than he ever had before. A couple hours later after he had relaxed and come out of hiding I ever so discreetly whipped out my electric clippers that I have used for grooming Louie and very gently proceeded to shave off the hair around this painful area. What I found was a hole, a puncture site, what had to be a bite from another animal, most likely a cat. It started to drain so I thought this was a good sign. He is now on antibiotics, is getting regular tail soaks, and the area does seem to be healing (I hope!!). Perhaps some day he will learn to like me again.

2005-08-24T04:39:00.000-07:00

Whew! This flood business wears a guy out.

Noah...I Feel Your Pain

2005-08-24T03:40:00.000-07:00

Attention all house-residing women: Do you know how to shut the water off? I'm sure there are a few males out there who are clueless, but they would never in a million years admit it. I have acquired this one bit of knowledge within the past few days in the face of sheer emergent necessity. My toilet had been somewhat uncooperative over the last few weeks but guess it decided to really get rebellious a few days ago. In all honesty there was nothing... nada... zilch in there to plug it up. I had just cleaned it, flushed the blue Vanish remnants, and the water started to rise. I went into "wiggle the handle" mode, which has worked quite well in the past. The water soon was approaching the spillover level and I was getting nervous.

Here I had just had this good day where I went to a movie with some friends (nothing beats the theater movies ..so much more enjoyable than watching them at home) had a nice dinner and then this disaster. Grrr!!!!! It's pushing 11:00 p.m. and nearly everyone in town is sleeping. I did try to turn off the faucet thingamajig down on the floor at the base of the toilet but the stupid thing wouldn't budge. I ended up using pliers to try to get a better grip and broke the thing all to hell.

In the meantime I was racking my brain trying to remember the way my father showed me to turn off the water in the basement should the need ever arise. Well this was some time ago and...well... you know how it is. If you don't have to do it you just sort of forget it. Maybe some people have household disaster drills where various things that can go wrong are simulated. That would be the smart way!

To make a long story short...I finally figured out how to shut the water off in my cobweb filled, very dark, scary basement after about 15 minutes of complete panic. The bathroom floor had a good inch plus of standing water and I had grabbed every single towel, blanket, rug that wasn't tacked down, and a few t-shirts and sweatshirts to help soak it up and prevent the flood from overtaking the kitchen. What a mess!! And I couldn't turn the water back on to do any laundry so I hung everthing up outside. The next day I was able to fix the toilet for less than five dollars, did lots and lots of laundry, and things were back to normal. Two good things came from it: 1) I know how to shut my water off and will never, ever, forget again and 2) I have the cleanest bathroom floor in town!

School Thoughts

2005-08-16T19:34:00.000-07:00

It is still August but it seems like summer is over. Most of the area schools started today and that has always meant the end of a season to me. I hear people talk about the great fun they had as a kid and how much they would love to go back to their crazy wonderful school days. Not me! I hated school and never once have I wished I could go back. It wasn't that I was tormented or bullied or anything like that. I just couldn't quite make myself fit with the popular kids. Anybody out there wish they could go back?

The Road is Rough....Buy Good Shoes

2005-08-12T04:02:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like the suicide of a healthy, vibrant, everything to live for 27-year-old man to throw a wrench in one's plans to look at life with a fresh new positive approach. Just after my post on Monday in which I outlined my "get happy" agenda my mom stopped at my house...just came right in. I knew immediately something bad had happened. A very good friend of mine, business owner, and friend to many in my town had lost her son. Sunday morning he made the decision to not go on and very quickly made his final exit. Today is the funeral. The day will pass and life goes on. Life and death - constantly in motion.

2005-08-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

This thing sure brings out the beast in Louie and Chuck!

Getting Back

2005-08-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

Monday. It's a new week, new day, and my mission is to develop a more positive approach to life. This little project should keep me busy for some time. So far I have a) had Louie and Chuck out for their first walk of the day - short as it's hot - but had some exercise in the great outdoors, b) fed my wonderful dogs some delicious lunch, c) played fetch with their thrilling new toy I bought them last week as the current one was pretty well chewed up, and d) had a lovely, upbeat conversation with my father on the telephone. We discussed the change in return time for the space shuttle (is that the word?) and the somewhat unattractive conditions of my neighbors' backyard...umpteen broken down vehicles, a variety of kids' toys, a currently unoccupied boarded up dog kennel, and a huge dead tree branch deposited after a recent storm. Pretty much the model for "Rednecks Are Us." Anway it was great to chat with my dad!

I want to say that I missed all of you last week and hope you will decide to come back. Thank you for being patient with me!

Antsy Feet

2005-08-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

There they are - the same old corn and cow pictures... This has just been a weird week for me and I can't seem to concentrate on anything for more than five minutes. - Be back soon.

Iowa in July

2005-07-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

If your eyes glaze over after the first two sentences - this is the post for you.

Several years ago after living in Northern California for six months and returning in June I was struck by how green everything was! The corn is looking fantastic this year and it's easy to miss the beauty that is right around the corner. So I tried to capture a bit of it here on the road where I run with Louie and Chuck.

The Hotter The Better

2005-07-27T13:51:00.000-07:00

I've recovered from my strenous day of picking up sticks and branches and thought it was high time I return to Fancy Footwork to keep it from developing athlete's foot or toenail fungus. After two weeks or more of sweltering heat and humidity it suddenly turned cool on Monday and we are into our third day of mild upper 70s weather. Already I am longing for the return of the HEAT! I had to put jeans on last night to keep from shivering. What in the heck am I going to do in a few months when fall turns into winter? I am seriously thinking of looking into a timeshare or a small apartment someplace HOT for three or four months during the coldest part of the year in Iowa - say November, December, January, and February. Louie and Chuck would come with me. I may need to find someone to check on Scamper and Midas as they do not like traveling. I wonder what a studio apartment goes for in Death Valley. Better yet would be some place near water - like the Bahamas or the Cayman Islands or coastal Mexico. Suggestions anyone??

2005-07-23T14:16:00.000-07:00

ME GOOD STICK PICKER UPPER

Picking Up Sticks...Someting I CAN DO!

2005-07-23T13:49:00.000-07:00

In the wee hours of this past Thursay morning I thought I could see flashing lights outside, like the kind on an ambulance. I went out to my front porch (enclosed) and suddenly I knew exactly what Dorothy was thinking right before that window blew in and konked her on the head. Everything was flying around - papers, branches, dust, sticks, leaves... I swear if Scamper and Midas had been out there I would have seen them go flying by too! To be honest I'm not sure where they were at the moment, but they were safe anyway. I really thought a tornado was moving through. However, things calmed down and we just had a thunderstorm and some much needed rain. There were sticks and branches galore after all of this so Friday I cleaned up my yard a good share of the afternoon and then did the same for my two neighbor ladies, one of whom had a HUMONGOUS branch down. I rather like picking up sticks though. It's good exercise and (this is the best part) I'm really good at it...

High Speed Headaches

2005-07-22T00:04:00.000-07:00

High speed internet has finally made its way to my little town. Qwest owns the lines and for unknown reasons has not expanded or updated their equipment to allow us high speed. Any high speed offer out there - I sign up for and get a "not available in your area" message. However, for the month of July three or four households are in the "test phase" for a high speed provider serving a few other nearby towns - apparently with lots 'o satisfied customers. The technician came and hooked it up July 1. The first five days were GREAT!! Forget that dial up business - gone were the days of slowwwwww....

Then things started to go bad. At first it was four or five hours of fine fast internet, then I would lose my connection. The first two times that happened I didn't realize that all I had to do was connect my phone jack back into the tower and use dial up. My extremely brilliant dad pointed this out to me later (obviously I didn't inherit his genius). Thus I called and left a somewhat terse message at about 3:00 a.m. the second time on the tech guy's cell phone. I said I had to have internet and if nothing else - to PLEASE just call me back!! He never did.

My internet connection time seemed to get shorter and shorter every day with the "high speed" service. When it works it's great but I need something reliable. We are nearing the end of the "test" period and I suspect will be billed as of the first of August if I don't cancel it. It has been a bit more reliable the past couple days after some maintenance on Wednesday. Still.. I'm not prepared to surrender my old faithful dial up - so what if I can bake a cake in the time it takes to open up Yahoo? Change is a scary word. Next thing you know they'll be installing indoor plumbing.

YELLOW DOG is OK!!

2005-07-20T04:23:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday or Thursday it was another scorcher. There is a couple who are very gracious to let me park by their house out in the country while I run on the gravel road that starts at their place and goes up to a nearby state park. I love the park but it is full of campers right now and traffic is heavy.

Copper is a yellow lab who belongs to the people mentioned above. I never can remember his real name and just say "HI YELLOW!!!" He always gives me a hearty slobbery welcome and loves to play with Louie and Chuck. L&C were not with me this day - too hot. Well off I go and Copper decides to come with me. Within the first half mile after running through some corn fields (him, not me!) I notice he is limping. Finally I'm able to get him to stand still so I can see if he had a cocklebur or something else stuck in his paw. Nothing. I felt up and down his leg...No sore spots. So I continued on, but was worried.

That evening his owners called to tell me Copper was acting very very sick and did I know anything? My heart sank. I thought "I'm a dog killer." I explained that he wanted to follow me and I didn't know how to stop him. They weren't mad, just wondered if he had been hit or if was suffering from heat exhaustion, etc. They also told me he is 13 years old!! I felt horrible. The next day when I couldn't reach them I felt sure he had died. A few days later the Mrs. did call to let me know Copper was much better, they were certainly not mad at me, and to please just put him in the house on hot days when they are at work.. which I am more than happy to do.

Monday I assembled a care package with a pound or so of deli sliced roast beef, wrapped it up and put in a gift bag (Christmas theme, but don't think a dog would mind) and delivered my get well present to Copper's Mom. I told her that she and her husband could have a little but it was mostly for Copper. She thought that would be just fine.

So... no more long runs for this pooch but I love "YELLOW" more than ever.

Now if I could just do SOMETHING to help the poor neglected neighbor dog out of its terrible circumstances. More on this later.

Stormy Skies

2005-07-19T19:42:00.000-07:00

At long last.... I return to blog. Thanks Ol' Hoss for giving me a push.

It remains on the warm side here in Iowa though we did have a reprieve Sunday night and Monday with a spectacular thunderstorm Sunday night.

No hail fortunately as hail is not thy cornfield's friend and thy cornfield is getting a lot of attention at this time of the year. After the rain it was almost dark but the sun shone just enough to turn the sky a breathtakingly beautiful shade of reddish-orange.

2005-07-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

He calls THAT the wild side??!!

2005-07-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

LOU REED.....i'd walk anywhere with you!

Me and Lou Reed

2005-07-14T19:20:00.000-07:00

As you may have gathered by now, I'm a runner - well, more of a jogger since I set a pretty slow pace to prevent giving out before I reach an acceptable stopping (i.e., collapsing) point. Last summer I listed to at least thirty books on tape while running and most were time well spent. This summer I haven't made it to the library to check out any audio books yet so it's been either radio or from my collection of music on cassettes. I did get a CD player last week though so I'm moving up!! I have acquired my music collection over the years in essentially four different ways: 1) I bought it. 2) Somebody bought it for me thinking I should have it. 3) Somebody made me tapes they thought I should have. 4) I had somebody make me tapes of the songs I liked in order to have a wide variety of good music on one tape.

Ok...enough background. I have been a Lou Reed Fan for no less than the last 20 years. The first time I heard "Walk on the Wild Side" I was hooked.

"Jackie is just speeding away
Thought she was James Dean for a day
Then I guess she had to crash
Valium would have helped that dash
She said, hey babe, take a walk on the wild side
I said, hey honey, take a walk on the wild side
And the colored girls say doo doo doo, doo ..."

That song remains in my top 20 all time best songs list. Something about his voice - very sexy I've always thought. That song was on the soundtrack for the great movie "Times Square" which by now is an oldie. I had the album but over the years it went to where all good albums go when their time on earth is up.

About ten years ago I was in the depths of despair over a breakup with this guy who I figured I would be spending the rest of my life with. That is a whole nother story for a different time. I think I still had a bunch of his tapes or CDs and it was near Valentine's Day. I was very bitter and had a friend make me two tapes with songs that all contained the word "love" in the title...I think I was trying to torture myself! ...I don't know. So on one of the tapes is Lou Reed's "I Love You" with the lyrics:

"When I think of all the things I've done
And I know, that it's only just begun
Oh, smiling faces, Jesus
You know, I can't forget them
But for now, I love you
Watch this minute, baby
Now I love you
At least for now
I love you"

I listed to this song and really liked it for awhile. Then a couple years ago I happened to be listening to this tape again (not to torture myself though) and when I heard Lou sing the words I thought, "God! What a prick!! He's saying he loves you now for only one reason and honey - come tomorrow morning you'll never hear from the jerk again. Asshole......"

Ha!! I don't know why I react diffently to the same songs over the course of time..just depends on what's going on in my life at the time I guess. I listened to this a few days ago and I was singing right along with Lou - and thought "What a great song!" I suppose I just stopped reading so much into it.

Then another tape I have has "Satellite of Love" on it which is a pretty good song on any day.

"Satellite's gone up to the skies
Thing like that drive me out of my mind"

The fourth song in my Lou Reed collection is "Heroin" which I heard for the first time several years back on the soundtrack from the movie "The Doors."

"I don't know just where I'm going
But I'm gonna try for the kingdom, if I can
'cause it makes me feel like I'm a man
When I put a spike into my vein
And I tell you things aren't quite the same
When I'm rushing on my run
And I feel just like Jesus' son
And I guess that I just don't know
And I guess that I just don't know"

When he gets to the "spike into my vein" part - these days I think YIKES!! Lou, Lou, Lou... what were you thinking? However, one must not throw stones at glass houses.. Regardless, this is a relatively old song and I don't know for a fact that he is talking about his own experiences - but knowing what little I do about his life he probably knew what he was talking about. I have to assume (and hope) that he kicked that habit since he is still among the living.

So just to let you all know I have a special place in my heart for Lou Reed. If you haven't had the pleasure yet - check him out. If it's been awhile.. look him up. You'll make a new friend or remember an old one!

Dog Guilt

2005-07-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

Dog guilt....I'm having a ton of it lately. The heat over the course of the past week has led to Chuck and Louie being out for shorter walks. That in itself is not so bad. However, I love the heat and I love to go out for my runs in the heat of the day. But I swear to God they know exactly where I'm going and why and, well, they are not pleased. Never mind that it 100 degrees and 99% humidity. Forget the fact that they are laying in the shade with the tongues on the grass after five minutes. They tell me it's just not right. Well guys...I'm sorry but five minute walks fifty times a day ain't gonna cut it! Ho hum... I can't win.

2005-07-09T14:03:00.000-07:00

HOT CHUCK...

Yakkity Yak......Cell Phone Overkill

2005-07-08T19:03:00.000-07:00

Call me old fashioned. Call me close minded. Call me a cave dweller. Just DON'T CALL ME FROM YOUR CELL PHONE if you have nothing to say.

I ask you, why is it that ninety percent of the population finds it imperative to have their cell phone with them (turned on of course) at all times - no matter where they are at? Occasionally they they bear a striking resemblance to a rather large ear growth. Conversely, I do believe there are people who really never use these to actually talk to anyone, but just like the way they look on their belt - another matter all together and not what this is about. What it is about is the very annoying and growing trend of carrying on endless conversations via cell phone in public places about?...about?...NOTHING.

Am I missing something or is everyone at the mall on the phone in the middle of a crisis? Conferring with heads of state about foreign affairs? Landing the deal of a lifetime? Quite to the contrary, the norm seems to be senseless chit chat best described as sheer drivel. I was discussing this very subject with a very wise and wonderful woman yesterday and we were in complete agreement. So bloggers..here's my two cents worth...[NOTE: If you recognize yourself here - get help!]

Picture this: You're at the supermarket (or grocery store as we say in Iowa) and you're picking out your canned soup, hamburger helper, macaroni and cheese, frozen pizza, cheerios, paper towels, cheez whiz, a gallon of milk, some peanut butter, and a loaf of bread. As you go about your business here's this lady - or guy - they are equally susceptible to/afflicted with the cell phone bug - and frequently you cannot help overhearing their very audible end of the conversation. It may go something like this:

"Ok honey..I'm at the store... now what did you want for lunch tomorrow? I'm in the meat and cheese section.....I know you told me but that was two hours ago and I forgot! Stop!..Stop right there....I have had THE day from hell. So I told you an hour ago! - Guess what? I'm telling you again! Did you HEAR me this time? You have NO idea and you NEVER listen to me.. (Pause).... Ok....I'm sorry too boo boo honey pie. (LONG pause) I know......(Pause)......YES.. I KNOW! But they don't have that here. I did ask, but they won't have it until next Tuesday. Oh you are really too much!.. I wouldn't feed that to my worst enemy. Did you call your sister today? Umm hmm.. So where did you and Bill have lunch? You must be kidding! - that dive? Well I hope you didn't leave them a tip. Anyway... I'm in cereals now. Can you turn the iron on for me so it will be hot ..... (irritated snort) ..WILL YOU turn the damn iron for me? Ok..I just have to pay for this and I'll be home in ten minutes. I'll call you on the way."

AAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do these folks really need to be communicating quite that often? Not to be judgmental, but we are not exactly talking "immediate attention required" issues here. Cell phones have their place by all means! For people who have to drive any distance to get to work, school, or just travel in general, or to assist in running one's business - I highly recommend cell phones. They are tremendously reassuring to have any time you are operating a motor vehicle. Time and again these phones have been used to summon help to the scene of a breakdown or accident on a cold dark deserted road. For that reason I say never leave home without one. But to go through every second of the day with one glued to my ear in order to detail my journey through the frozen foods section?? I think not.

2005-07-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

Fun With Fruit

2005-07-03T14:36:00.000-07:00

Egads!! How did that happen?

Bad Green Bananas

2005-07-03T13:51:00.000-07:00

Normally when I buy green bananas they eventually ripen up and become edible in a few days. Not always the case I learned recently. These guys were green as grass about six days ago. Now they are either still green (and hard as a rock) or green with big black splotches (and hard as a rock). Life is not fair.

2005-07-02T03:20:00.000-07:00

That mouse looks mighty tasty. Wonder what my therapist would say?

Dessert Analysis

2005-07-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

And on a lighter note:

Ok Everyone....time to take the Dessert Test!!! If all of the desserts listed below were sitting in front of you, which would you choose? Pick one and find out what psychiatrists would say about you. Post a comment with your pick, then tune in tomorrow.

Angel Food Cake
Brownies
Lemon meringue pie
Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Icing
Strawberry Shortcake
Chocolate on Chocolate
Ice Cream
Carrot Cake

TWO DAYS LATER.......

OK - Now that you've made your choice, this is what research says about you!

1. ANGEL FOOD CAKE... Sweet, loving, cuddly. You love all warm and fuzzy items. A little nutty at times. Sometimes you need an ice cream cone at the end of the day. Others perceive you as being childlike and immature at times.

2. BROWNIES... You are adventurous, love new ideas, are a champion of underdogs and a slayer of dragons. When tempers flare up, you whip out your saber. You are always the oddball with a unique sense of humor and direction. You tend to be very loyal.

3. LEMON MERINGUE... Smooth, sexy, & articulate with your hands, you are an excellent after-dinner speaker and a good teacher. But don't try to walk and chew gum at the same time. A bit of a diva at times, but you have many friends.

4. VANILLA CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE ICING... Fun-loving, sassy, humorous, not very grounded in life; very indecisive and lack motivation. Everyone enjoys being around you, but you are a practical joker. Others should be cautious in making you mad. However, you are a friend for life.

5. STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE... Romantic, warm, loving. You care about other people, can be counted on in a pinch and expect the same in return. Intuitively keen. Can be very emotional.

6. CHOCOLATE ON CHOCOLATE... Sexy; always ready to give and receive. Very creative, adventurous, ambitious, and passionate. You can appear to have a cold exterior but are warm on the inside. Not afraid to take chances. Will not settle for anything average in life. Love to laugh.

7. ICE CREAM... You like sports, whether it be baseball, football, basketball, or soccer. If you could, you would like to participate, but you enjoy watching sports. You don't like to give up the remote control. You tend to be self-centered and high maintenance.

8. CARROT CAKE... You are a very fun loving person, who likes to laugh. You are fun to be with. People like to hang out with you. You are a very warm hearted person and a little quirky at times. You have many loyal friends.

Saying Goodbye to my Grandmother

2005-07-01T18:28:00.000-07:00

I wrote this to send to some friends and family a few days ago after my Grandmother's funeral. She had lived in her own house and then apartment up until about two weeks before her death and had her full mental faculties right up until the end. It broke my heart when I learned that she was afraid to die. What do you say to someone who has lived 99 years to reassure them that death will not be scary? We had always had a particularly close relationship as it was the thrill of my life to go (by myself) and stay with her for a few days every summer in my childhood. I thought going to lunch at the Senior Citizens Center was a blast!! Guess I was easily entertained in my youth. Anyway, here it is:

June 22, 2005

Yesterday was definitely one of the most exhausting day of my life. Had no sleep, very HOT, and the funeral was really emotionally draining for me - the whole day was. "Father Dave" gave an incredibly moving sermon about my grandmother as he knew her over the years. I learned one thing - ALWAYS TAKE KLEENEX!! I was a crying, snot runnin' mess! The church was freezing and the cemetery was boiling...and I was worried about how my Dad was holding up. He seemed to cope and said he felt everything went as good as it possibly could. With the exception of my three cousins (or Grandma's grandchildren) who live on the east coast..ALL of Grandma's children and grandchildren and their spouses and all greatgrandchildren were there. Plus several more distant relatives and friends in the community. - Lyons and Walthill, Nebraska.

I rode to Lyons and came back with my sister Linda and her husband and their little girl as well as Nancy and Dan. On the way home we talked about what Father Dave had said about this 99 year old woman who he first came to know by saying mass and offering spiritual support to what he came to call "The Women of Walthill".. They were all old enough by then - 15 to 20 years ago - that it was often difficult for them to get to church. So he would meet with them once a week in their various homes, have some type of service, and then of course they always had "lunch" afterwards. You know.. these women were big on cooking as they had spent so much of their lives doing it - as well as tending to the needs of others (and probably taking a lot of crap in the meantime I was thinking..cynical me!!)

But these women were a proud lot. They all had the commonality of having had one great love that they had lost. They also had a tremdous faith in God that never waivered despite whatever losses and sadness fate brought their way. Father Dave described Grandma as one of the last of "The Pioneer Women" - very aptly put I thought as she dated back to the horse and buggy era where you didn't have electricity, didn't have indoor plumbing, you had lots of babies and cleaned and cooked, sewed, crocheted, planted gardens, kept house and tried to keep everyone well.. and my God...just worked your fingers to the bone in the process.

It's funny because my Dad and Mom always joke about how mom had the easy life growing up the Spencer/Sanborn area where they always lived in town and always had indoor lights and plumbing. Dad didn't have either of those until he was almost into his teens. Obviously he didn't feel like he was missing out at the time, of course. You can't miss what you never had..

Dad and his father, Carl, were very close in Dad's youth which overall was a great thing. HOWEVER, on the day Tess and Carl married, Great-Grandpa Sauser (Hillary) arrived at their doorstep and - guess what - never left!!!!!! Oh what a tyrant that man was from the stories I've heard. Here my grandma was about 18 years old, newly married, and this cantankerous old geezer - who loved his booze and had bottles hidden everywhere under the sun...all of sudden became a constant foreboding presence in their day to day lives.

THEN... Grandma had 2 or 3 miscarriages.. First baby to survive was Aunt Catherine, then a couple years later, Michael (my dad), and then about 7 or 8 years later the twins, Robert and Rita. Well, as I said Dad and his father Carl were close - worked hard but had a good father-son relationship, which Hillary resented to no end!! He thought Carl's world should revolve around him goddammit - not his grandson Michael! Isn't that irrational??- Here this grown man was jealous of his grandson and he was not ashamed to let anyone and everyone know about it. Hillary and Carl were both big time alcoholics as it turned out...but fortunately Carl didn't have the temper that his father did.

Still, Grandma did not have an easy life. She then went on to teach in the Walthill/Macy school system in the 60s without a teaching certificate because you didn't need one in Nebraska up until the late 60s. She then went to college at Wayne State University and I remember going to her graduation around 1970 - already a widow for three years by then.

When we were on the way to Walthill to the cemetery (to be buried beside her husband) my sister Nancy made the comment -"Boy - just think - grandma hasn't seen her husband in almost 40 years." It just struck me as funny..since I don't think of meeting your loved ones who have gone before and saying "Geez....it's been a long time." -- Know what I mean??

So... I got back to my house around 2:30 or so and was in a major "get organized" mood. I filled 3 big bags with clothes that I haven't touched in the last year and felt like I could go on throwing stuff away forever. I think part of that was spurred by knowing how much "stuff" Grandma had that still had to be sold, donated, or disposed of in some way. God!! I don't want my family to have that job when I go.. I just as soon they say "Wow.. that all she had? Guess we won't need that U-Haul after all!" Well then I thought - better just do a little each day so you don't go too nuts.. and went for a run instead.

I spent a good part of the late afternoon and evening with the family and walked with the dogs and ran by myself as it was sooooooooo hot I couldn't keep Louie and Chuck out very long. First thing I did when we got out of the car was squirt 'em down with water from an old squirt bottle to try to help them stay cool.

I was shot by about 3:30 this morning. Said - "can't work no mo' tonight" - and went to sleep. So... there you have it. Grandma you will be missed.

To My New Friends I Met On Blog Street

2005-06-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

Ok.. this is for you guys! I've made three friends since I entered the world of blogging.

LoThArlo. Hmmm.. you are indeed demented, but you do make me laugh. As to those creepy M&M thugs determined to pollute the minds of children I have one thing to say, they are just your type.... HA!!
Deni Bonet. I cannot wait to listen to everything you've ever recorded! I know we will be in touch for many years to come. Remember me when you accept your Grammy...
Seven. YOU are going to make my blog worth looking at. Even if you weren't so web design savvy, I love everything you've written. I know I've found a friend. LoThArlo would probably enjoy reading your blog...

I wish you all a wonderful Fourth of July weekend. Thank you for coming my way!!

Kathleen

Hey Doc! Heard Yourself SPEAK Lately?

2005-06-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

After last night...I do believe I have one hair left on my head as I was pulling it out fast.

What is WITH some of these doctors? Do they know what they sound like? I really would like them to have to listen to some of the stuff they've dictated and see how muffled and jumbled their words are. Ok...here's an example: MEDICATIONS: Lisinopril, Digoxin, and ah...."Hey how's it goin? Oh yeah? (person talking in background for awhile) ...Ok buddy... catch ya later!...(throat clearing, papers shuffling)

Ok.. 39-year-old male comes in with complaints of headache for the past three days. Describes it as throbbing in nature, 8/10 in severity...ummm...ok.. guess I aready said that.. hmm.. (silence).. ok....let's see here.. hmm..yep...yep.. hmm...Oh Yeah.. Ok...REVIEW OF SYSTEMS: All sielswoshhieeimmeyerowiskspinelrtnnn.(said very rapidly).I play that over again about ten times at varying speeds...

I feel my blood pressure rising as I say loudly to my computer "WHAT????? Then I look at my dogs thinking maybe they know something I don't, but nope, they just tilt their heads and look at me like "we gonna go out now?"

I listen once more. I throw up my hands and do what I HATE to do: I put the thing in the report that makes it someone else's job to try to figure it out. It's not the ESL docs that are consistenly the most difficult. On the contrary, it's the good old USA born, bred, and educated (subject to debate) medicos that mush all their words together and/or dictate like auctioneers.

So..I send that baby in and download the next job. Oh JOY!!!!!!!! It's him again!!

Transcription Hell ...My Place of Employment

2005-06-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

Medical transcriptionists unite! Amidst the fires and flames of bad companies, bad bosses, doctors who somehow made it through med school without learning to speak - let alone write - and little compensation for endless hours of work...it's a jungle out there. "Transcription Hell" will never die so visit as often as you wish - and bring your bikini because it's HOT!

2005-06-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

Eunice and Jack..He LOVES to be carried!

2005-06-25T18:21:00.000-07:00

PETE.. "Hey buddy.. that's my food!"

2005-06-25T18:05:00.000-07:00

JACK ATTACK. ..really Mr. Sweetie Pie

Getting To Know Jack and Pete

2005-06-25T17:20:00.000-07:00

Hello! We have not only met but have some pictures to share of our new neighbor Pete the doxie together with the most affectionate poodle in the world, Jack. Oh..and the boss lady, Eunice. Eunice is fantabulous!! She leaves us little treats and things to chew on - but for some reason we only want these chewies if the other one has it first. So....Chuck walks around with it in his mouth for 15 to 20 minutes as he really doesn't want to do a whole lot with it right then, but NO WAY is he going to let grabby Louie in on it. Well.. I (Kathleen) the CEO generally distract Chuck with a treat, confiscate the chewie, cut it in half and hope I don't break my scissors, and give half to each. That seems to work well.

Pete's philosophy thus far seems to be "This Food Is Mine and Mine Only... Do Not Even THINK of taking me on big guy!" Oh Jack, he's such a good natured guy. We know Eunice will keep him well fed. They are still in the "adjustment phase" after all. So here's some shots of our wonderful neighbors. Enjoy!

Chuck, Louie, and Kathleen

2005-06-20T06:29:00.000-07:00

Chuck...finally! a picture of ME!!
Chuck

2005-06-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

Wheweeeeeeeeeee! Louie and Chuck are quiet this morning (Monday) probably having to rest their vocal cords. We had so much activity on our end of the block over the weekend it was Barkin' City! We live near the Community Center where nearly every weekend there is a wedding reception, some organization's annual gathering, and every now and then a dance. Scamper and Midas just take it all in stride. But they do have the advantage of being in if they feel like being couch cats or checkin' out the action if the mood strikes. Much more likely that "the mood" will strike Midas as he is not afraid of anyone and thrives on the attention he gets with his sleek physique.

Our neighbors, Eunice - person - and Jack - ruff!! - have a new addition to their household and his name is Pete. Pete is a dachshund, black, short haired. There are some long haired I have seen. Oh is Pete Sweet!!!! He is very outgoing and likes to be held, scratched, all that good stuff that some dogs with a chip on their shoulder are really missing out on! But poor Jack! That guy does not appreciate having Eunice pay attention to anyone but him - and he made no bones about this to Pete (no bones.....get it?? silly me...) . From latest accounts Jack seems to have made some major strides in accepting the competition.

Good for you my man Jack! Even after five years Louie and Chuck sometimes do well to simply tolerate each other. We all gotta find a way to get along though. That's pretty important we learned in Dogs are from Mars, Cats are from France. You know how the French are!!

2005-06-15T06:22:00.000-07:00

Cool.....thy name is Louie!

Louie's New Look

2005-06-15T05:45:00.000-07:00

Whew!! Louie is feeling much better today after having his golden locks shorn Tuesday afternoon at his favorite grooming shop. It is summer after all. Today it's my turn and I can't wait!! Might even have to put some shorts on and model my "snow" legs.

2005-06-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

For Sharon

Batman Takes A Hike....For Sharon

2005-06-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

From the Furry Feet and Kathleen .. and even Amy returns for this one:

Our most precious friend and "get us through the night" leader has left her former place of employment to move on to better things. We wish you only the very best...Kathleen wishes you 'Enough' plus a p.r.n. banana bag, a lifetime supply of cottage cheese and fresh tomatoes, fresh coffee, and free cigs for as long as this world is lucky enough to have her.

We love you Sharon!

Kathleen,

The 15 Furry Feet - Louie, Chuck, Scamper, and Midas

And, of course, "Amy"

2005-06-10T20:46:00.000-07:00

Rachel and Nancy
Posted by Hello

Fifteen Ways To Cook a Mouse

2005-06-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

Post number two. Ok, so they are a bit out of order. Shoot me!

Oh what a night it has been. Started out too hot to have the windows open, which we like so we can oversee what is happening outside and make a lot of noise if one of those neighborhood cats strolls by. - We being Chuck and Louie of the canine sector.

Meanwhile....outside...Yummy - my fourth mouse tonight! Midas is goin' on about how he just can't get enough of those little guys. I, Scamper, prefer birds but they are so much better when I bring them in the house to eat in a more relaxed atmosphere but Kathleen (no more Amy) gets all upset, gets rid of my treat, and I am just totally out of luck. K-Lady will pick this up again. We would like to hear your tales as well - of the two, three, four, or even fifteen foot variety. Until we meet again - Happy trails and pleasant blogging!

2005-06-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

The amazing eyes of Midas
Posted by Hello

Lost and Found .... All 15 Feet!!

2005-06-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

YIKES!!!!!!!! I deleted my original blog by accident!! So, here we go again... Grrrr!! Here is the original:

Tuesday, June 07, 2005

15 Furry Feet Feel Like Blogging

It's June at the home of 15 Furry Feet and we are saying YES!! RUFF!! MEOWWW!! You made need some explanation as to what we are all about. We live with this lady .. nice for a human two-foot type. She will share the whole story at a later date, but we are 2 dogs, Louie and Chuck, and 2 cats, Scamper and Midas. Chuck...is missing one foot.. But what a loud mouth he is - thinks he Top Dog of the whole town! Anyhow, that makes a collective lot of 15 furry feet. We have lots of things to share with you but we need to go see what Chuck is yakkin he head off about right now. If you would like to ask us any questions, seek our opinion or much sought after advice, by all means... let us know!! We are new to blogging but always open to new adventures. Here's to summer fun and new friends!Louie, Chuck, Scamper, Midas and the lady who buys the food.. Kathleen

The story

2005-05-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

FIFTEEN FURRY FEET – A TRUE STORY

By Louie, Scamper, Chuck, and Midas

CHAPTER ONE: LOUIE

Welcome to the house of 15 Furry Feet. My name is Louie and I am a dog. As the original member and founder of “The Feet”, it seems only fitting that I begin our story. Besides that – I am also the smartest.

Let me introduce you to the owners of the remaining 11 Feet (15 minus 4 equals 11). There are 4 feet belonging to each of two cats, one named Scamper and the other named Midas. If anyone has ever told you that cats and dogs don’t pal around much – they are right! I have worked very hard on my “getting along with others” skills and have even read two books called “Accepting the Cat in Your Life” and (the bestseller) “Scratching the Surface – A Look Inside the Feline Mind”. Progress is slow – but still, it’s progress.

So, if you have a pencil and a piece of paper handy you will see that at this point we can account for 12 of the15 Feet, with 3 remaining, right? Do you know how to add and subtract? If not, this is a perfect time for you to learn! You may be confused because – really – what on earth has 3 feet? The answer to that one is CHUCK – that’s who! Chuck is a dog, like I am, but this is the thing: something happened to him when he was very young and some-body or some-thing caused him to lose one of his back feet!! He can’t remember how it happened so this remains something of a mystery. But, you need not worry. He walks and jumps and runs with the best of us 4-footers. In fact, most of the time I don’t think he even realizes he’s one short!! You will learn more about each of us momentarily.

We live with our owner, Ms. K. Actually Ms. K has two names, a first and a last, and I have a hunch they are not “Ms.” and “K”. We each just have one name. I sometimes wonder if that is where celebrities like Cinderella or Spiderman got the idea? What I do know is that Ms. K’s last name rhymes with “bowser” and although some humans find this very funny, I think it highly complimentary. Humans are hard to figure out sometimes.

We are “l5 Very Lucky Feet” as Ms. K. is the nicest human in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD!! And I should know, because, of course, I am the smartest member of our family. Some different people had me before I met Ms. K. and they were not nice AT ALL! They made me stay outside all of the time – even in the snow and wind and rain and cold! And besides that, they hardly ever gave me any food or water. They were gone all the time and I was a very sad, lonely, hungry dog. But one hot summer day I put each of my 4 feet down and said “Adios amigos! This is not the life for me!” I ran and ran and ran. I ran across streets where cars were coming right at me – and FAST! It was very scary, but I had to keep going.

This is what happened next. Ms. K. was working at this place called “an animal hospital” and that day she was outside watering some flowers when she spotted me. I like to water flowers, too – only Ms. K. calls it “leaving my calling card”. I don’t understand this, but if that’s what she says I guess it’s ok! Some of my dog friends as well as my own experiences had made me very distrustful of these people creatures. But you know how sometimes you just know in your heart that something is right? I hope you have felt that way before. The thing is, when Ms. K. saw me she picked me up in her arms and kissed me (can you believe it??) and I knew for CERTAIN that I would like to live with her! But I was still afraid she’d take me to a bad place – a place that was worse than the one I’d just left. The good news is –she didn’t!! And the even better news is – she took me home to live with her!! And as they say – the rest is history. (Did you know that they say that??)

CHAPTER TWO: SCAMPER

Mmmmmmmm – I was just having the most wonderful dream. There I was – hiding in the tall grass, frozen still as a statue, one second away from making an afternoon snack out of Gracie Grasshopper. But wouldn’t you know it – I woke up! Oh well – it’s ok. I’ll soon return to the scene of my dreamland adventure and this time Gracie G-Hopper will most certainly become a delicious delight.

Now where are my manners? For starters, my name is Scamper and I’m proud to say my four feet belong to the feline family – well, that, and the rest of me. In my limited free time I am an avid hunter and proudly present Ms. K with my “trophies” whenever possible. For reasons I fail to understand – she doesn’t quite share my enthusiasm.

My real job here is that of “sleep specialist” and I perform my duties with indisputable expertise. Upon my entrance into The Feet, little did I know that there were already 7 furry feet living with Ms. K. and they were not the cat kind at all! They were the DOG kind and, as you may have guessed, they were determined to make my life a nightmare! I thought I had made the worst mistake possible. But, the days passed and these two guys finally decided I wasn’t worth getting all worked up about. Eventually they even introduced themselves as “Louie” (the mostly nice one…) and “Chuck” (the maniac…). We have now become accustomed to each other and sometimes Louie and I even engage in a friendly wrestling match or two, which I, out of the goodness of my heart, usually let him win. Anyway, I have to go back to work now and you know what that means – lunchtime.

P.S. Some things never change.... Chuck is still a maniac. (hee-hee)

CHAPTER THREE: CHUCK

Just throw the ball already!! Oh, sorry. I’m supposed to be telling you my story here, aren’t I? I just get so excited when that darn ball is tossed around that I forget about everything else. All I can think of is getting my choppers around that squishy thing. Then once I have it all I can think of is, “will somebody yank this out of my mouth so I can run and get it again?” Let’s face it – I’m obsessed! That’s how I am though – single minded. Whatever activity I’m doing becomes the only thing I can think about! I’m the kind of guy who does everything with ZEST!! ENTHUSIASM!! GUSTO!! The laid back life is fine for some – Louie, for example. But not me! I have two settings: 1) turbo-charged/full speed ahead, and 2) asleep. That’s it – plain, simple, and proud of it.

You already know a little about me since Louie and Scamper couldn’t resist putting in their two cents worth. Now Louie – he does get credit for his truthful information about me being a three-footer. And no, I don’t remember (or don’t want to remember) how I lost foot #4, and yes, yes, yes – I can run faster than half the dogs in this town – if not more! Scamper, on the other hand, would do well to think twice about what he has to say about me from here on out – or else! Calling me a “maniac”, are you? I’ll show you “maniac” cat-boy!

There’s really not much else for me to tell you other than I am the only one of The Feet to come into Ms. K’s life during the wintertime on a day so cold even the dog pound looked good to a homeless, hungry guy such as myself. The others all arrived in the heat of the summer. Notably, I was the second member to join The Feet, which at that time were exclusively canine.

Wait a second – I think I hear something. Better go check it out!! It might be one of those cat fellas!! Holler if you want to throw that ball around!

CHAPTER FOUR: MIDAS

How very fortunate for you, my friend! You are quite lucky to have found me resting up before departing on my daily rounds. I am a very, very busy cat. I was born to explore the world – to hunt, to search, to seek, to find – to share my cat wisdom with all of mankind. I am sleek and slim and quicker than quick. If you are seeking perfection – I am your pick.

With great ease I run, jump, pounce, and leap! A word to the wise: I catch mice in my sleep. There is nothing about me short of impressive. To tell you otherwise would be highly deceptive. Admire, adore, love and praise me now. And as I move on I will hear the usual “Wow!” If you would like future appointments with me, Ms. K with regards to the arrangements will see. Until that time – Adios Amigos! (I got that one from Louie, and as he is so very fond of saying, he is the smartest…)

CONCLUSION: LOUIE

Have you enjoyed our story? As you can see, the four members of our “15 Furry Feet” each have their own unique personalities and each contributes to our household and to our world in different ways. The thing is – despite our differences – we all add something good – something important – something that would be missing without us. And so do you! We hope that you will never forget this and will spread the word to all you know.

Signed,

Louie, (without whom this story would not have been possible..)

Scamper,

Chuck,

Midas