Passing of "Blue" My Beloved Budgie

Blue was my little budgie who passed away during the night ... she hadn't been feeling too well for the past few days. Her little partner Mikey was by her side all the way ... carrying for her as only he could ... no matter if our pets weigh only a few ounces or many pounds their passing still affects us as they are our pets whom we love and care for very much. Blue was my little hen ... always very happy chirping away ... her beautiful blue color was very attractive to look at ... her favorite sounds were other birds chirping ... I had a CD of song birds which she would also chirp too ... Mikey will miss her ... as will I ... good bye Blue and enjoy flying with the angels.

Jaime                                                                                                                                                                 

Announcement: Link to a New Blog

New Beginnings is my new blog

This is an invitation to visit my new blog which I have recently set up. It's different from this one as I offer information about topics some of you may be interested in ... stop by and say hello. Just click on the Title of this post "Announcement: Link to a New Blog" and it will take you over to my new blog.

I did mention I was going to make some changes to this blog but decided to go with a new one all together hence the name: NEW BEGINNINGS ... you will know what I mean once you visit over there. I will still post over here ...

Cheers,

Jaime

JAIME'S BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday to Me ...

Yesterday, December 4th was my 62 birthday ... where has all the time gone? For those of you over 50 have you noticed that it's all down hill .... and guess what? It's quite the ride .... the following is a quote which I cam across in a book I was reading one day ... I loved this quote so I will share it here.

LIFE IS NOT A JOURNEY TO THE GRAVE WITH THE INTENTION OF ARRIVING SAFELY IN A PRETTY AND WELL-PRESERVED BODY, BUT RATHER TO SKID IN SIDEWAYS, THOROUGHLY USED UP, TOTALLY WORN OUT, AND LOUDLY PROCLAIMING ... WOW... WHAT A RIDE! (Author unknown)

I am enjoying the ride ... how about you?

Cheers,
Jaime

The Rat ... Things are Not What They Seem ...

Now I know what you may be thinking ... call the exterminator.  I read this story about the above creature in a newsletter which I subscribe to:

"Years ago, I met a woman who had rescued hundreds of rats that were going to be exterminated after being used in the horror movie,Willard. She dedicated an entire room of her home to the rats, so they could live out the rest of their lives in comfort. Although I didn't say anything out loud, my initial thoughts were probably just as insensitive as the comments of the folks in the waiting room. My first thought was: "You've got to be kidding! You have one whole room in your home for RATS!"
Talking to her, however, I came to understand that she loved those rats (just as I loved Mary), and I could feel the depth of her love and compassion in saving them. To her, they weren't the "disease infested scavengers," that most people thought they were... ( " Denise Linn, Excerpt from her Mumblings & Musings Newsletter November 2010") 


I have included the link to her newsletter: http://www.deniselinn.com/emails/11-23-10-MUMB.htm 
You can copy and past it into the address bar and go directly to her site.

It's been awhile since I last posted here and I will have you know life hasn't stopped for me during my absence. I recently spent time in the hospital due to a reaction to a medication I was taking ... what an experience that was for me and my dogs too. The morning of my trip to the ER I left the dogs at the daycare (thinking it would only be for a few hours. However, I was admitted and spent almost a week trying to get this reaction under control. The same day I had the reaction to the medication I also broke my little toe.  In the end the x-rays revealed it wasn't broken ... but this did not make a difference to me as the pain I am sure is the same. It still hurts as I type this today. I am however, on the mend.

Tomorrow I start on a new project at work. This should be interesting for me as it primarily testing a new computer program which is suppose to make work in our system easier. Since I enjoy computer work and learning new things I accepted this temporary offer. 

Well It's time to move on and make breakfast for myself. 

Have a wonderful day everyone. 

Hey come out here and say that ...

say what????..

Who peed in Angel's cornflakes this morning ... ???

REMEMBERANCE DAY

Today is a day to Remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom ...



           

  Today is also Teddy's 9th birthday he's 63 in dog years. I cooked his favorite food... spare ribs. Teddy is my little toy poodle who is very much his own dog. Happy Birthday Teddy .... from all of us.                              Bear, Angel, and Mommy!

Hello Everyone,                                                                                                                                                      

It's me, Teddy, the birthday boy...er dog! Mommy cooked my favorite ... ribs ummmmm good! Since I am a senior now I wonder if I will get any discounts at the pet shop? Bear and Angel keep following me as they want my last rib. I chew slower than they do because I only have a few teeth left. You know how it is when you age ...something has to go. Thanks for all your wishes ...... Teddy

Saturday Morning Musings

Good Morning Everyone,

I love this picture. I thought I would share it with you today. What's the first though that springs (pardon the  pun) to your mind looking at this picture? Do you ever feel like your life is directionless or going no where fast? You're not the first nor the last person to experience those kinds of feelings. However, did you know even though these feelings seemingly come and go your life is not necessarily off track? You are exactly where you are meant to be.

More later ... I am looking for a map!

Cheers,
Jaime

…more of the same from the previous blog

Good day Everyone,
I am in the midst of making some changes to my blog which I mentioned previously. Stay tuned for more.
Cheers,
Jaime

Saturday Morning

What a grand day! I think winter is here to stay. I shoveled off the deck and the driveway and managed to get the gate unstuck so I could drive over to the post office to get my mail. Speaking of mail, again I am receiving other people's mail. I wonder if they are receiving mine? Just a glitch in the system I assume ... not technical one but the human kind, if you get my drift.

In the next few months I plan on changing this blog and looking to introduce some other topics of interest. Perhaps I may change it all together and move on to another blog. This blog has been about my move into retirement. Since I am not yet retired I am still gainfully employed and currently on leave from my job. It's a pre-retirement of sorts, or at least that's what it feels like to me. You know something I think I can get use to this pace and lifestyle. My dogs certainly enjoy having me around all the time. However, I will be returning back to work soon.

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to actually be retired from the work force? People have asked me what I plan to do when I am retired. Why do I have to be doing anything? Isn't that what retirement is all about ...doing nothing? I beg to differ. Retirement is all about entering a new chapter in your life and having the opportunity to do things you have always wanted to do but did not have ample time. I don't think retirement is all that it's cracked up to be after all you still have the same responsibilities of looking after yourself and if you have pets, which as you know I do, them too. The only difference being you are not getting up in the morning to go in to work. This I consider a big bonus to getting up during my retirement days. I can organize my day however I wish and fulfill the necessities and then do nothing! LOL

I don't think I will ever do nothing as I do not see retirement as a doing nothing phase especially if I don't plan on dropping in my coffin before my time due to being bored. I have never been bored in my career nor my personal life so why should that change now. It's all up to me and how I look at life and what I plan on doing with it.

I am going to write more about this topic but for now I am going to have breakfast and tend to my domestic responsibilites which will always be with me.

Cheers,

Jaime

Slightly Humorous: Time tracking: Increasing inefficiency

Slightly Humorous: Time tracking: Increasing inefficiency

First Snowfall of the Season

The wind swirls the snow around with ease causing various snow drifts in the yard and on the deck. Earlier I ventured out to clear the snow off for the birds who were looking for their food. They were most happy I did not abandon them with their daily meal.

I am grateful I did not need to venture out today. I have not forgotten many days like today where I did have to travel on the highway  to go to work in the city.

I don’t think the snow is here to stay by any means as it’s suppose to warm up in the next few days.

Cheers,

Jaime

Good Morning

TGIF

What can I say?

This is exactly how I feel today. It's been a very busy week ... the light at the end of the tunnel is not just a train coming (I hope) but rather it's just what it is a light. Ever feel like this on a Monday morning and have to drag yourself through the rest of the week? What can you do? First off, you can change your thoughts and your emotions will eventually fall in line. Don't believe me? Try it for yourself. Don't forget to add a few thoughts of gratitude. What are you thankful for today? Can't think of anything off hand ... you can start with you woke up; you're not dead!

I am thankful for the good night's sleep, for my bed, sleeping in a comfortable room with  air conditioning if I need it. My dogs greet me happily upon waking as if to say, "it's time to get up mommy and let us out!" I have indoor plumbing, now that's something to be grateful for especially in winter... Burrrrrrr! There is food in the fridge and cupboards, a vehicle in my garage ... etc etc. I think you get the picture!

Are you feeling better yet? Then keep going until you do; remember to discard any negative thinking as you don't need that kind of energy around you; negative thinking only attracts more negative thinking ... James Allan once said, "As a Man Thinketh so is He."

I have to run as I am in the midst of getting ready for work and yes, I too am grateful it's Friday!

Cheers,

Jaime

Sunday Morning

Helllooooooooooooooo Out Thereeeeeeeeeeeee!

Summer seems to be zooming by a rapid speed ... and we have only just begun to enjoy the sun. This past week the weather has been cooler which for some is nicer anyway as at least it's not raining!

I have nothing new to actually say as not much has been going on for me as of late. I am still working in the city and commuting back and forth along with my dogs who enjoy their days at daycare. We are short staffed as always is the situation this time of year when many are away on vacation. I look forward to Fall when we can get back to a little more normalcy. Christmas is the next big feature on the calender with the exception of course of Thanksgiving Day which is an especially big celebration for our friends across the border!

Cheers,

Jaime & Company

A Tribute to Haida

Below is what I wrote about Haida after she went to be at the rainbow bridge ... It's been a year since her passing ... I still miss her and I know the others do too. Bear came into our lives shortly thereafter not to replace her but rather to become a new member of our family. I will never forget you Haida!

This is a tribute from Angel, Teddy and me ... I know Haida comes around every now and again and she is most welcome!

On June 3, 2009 Haida my GSD was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and on July 11, 2009 she went to the "Rainbow Bridge." I am sure my mom and dad were there to meet her along with some of my other canine friends before her. It was a very difficult time for me and Angel, mySheltie who was by her side continuously. Haida will be sorely missed.

I must share a little story with you which happened the morning she died. I was in the process of letting the dogs out when I noticed a little baby black bird sitting on the deck. I told the dogs to stay while I attempted to get the bird to fly off the deck. He flew away when I banged on the screen door. I let the dogs out and then took Haida to the vet. I had to help her into the truck and I opened the back window of the extended cab so she could look out. she loved the wind blowing in her face. Of course I am crying as I am driving to the vet's office knowing full well that she would not be returning with me. I have been through this before and believe me it does not get easier, not for a moment. I knew Haida's quality of life was slipping away and replaced by pain. She no longer was able to do the things she loved and was used to doing. I felt it was in her best interest to let her go with dignity.

I stayed with her during the procedure. I just couldn't leave her by herself after all she was such a good dog and deserved having me there with her until the end. I am crying even as I am writing this today. Those of you reading this that have had similar experiences with your pet understand how tough it is to let them go given that they have been a part of your family for such a long time.

When I returned home I let the dogs out again and I noticed on the deck a long stem yellow flower that had pushed it's way through the crack of the deck broads and made its way to the place where Haida used to like to lay down. You see there is nothing underneath the deck. This has never happened before nor since. This long little flower is Haida's sign to me that she is alright now and pain free.

I know that Haida is still around here looking out for the others.

I am ready now to start a new chapter ... and I do have some more news which I will post soon.

Saturday Morning

Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil!

I love this picture ... these aren't my animals. Nonetheless this is a picture of a 1000 words!

Tomorrow is the first annivesary of Haida's death. I will write about her tomorrow. I still miss her and am reminded of her all the time.

Jaime

The Dark Man In Womens Dreams

The Dark Man In Womens Dreams

Life's Lessons from a Dog!

A friend sent me this story and I thought I would share it here:

A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old
Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa,
and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they
were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the
family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the
euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements,
Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane
to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from
the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's
family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for
the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.
Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any
difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's
Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are
shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next
stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has
changed the way I try and live..

He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good
life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?''
The Six-year-old continued, ''Well, dogs already know how to do that,
so they don't have to stay as long.''

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be
pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do..

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle
them gently.



ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

Welcome Back Spring 2010

Well good morning everyone ...I awoke this morning and there was Spring! I must admit I was surprised to say the least. You'll notice I am squinting as I left my sunglasses in my basket this morning. My mommy says all the snow is gone. Well I agree it's gone all right but do you know what's in its place? You guessed it ... all the junk Bear has dragged outside all week! Take a look at the picture as it says it all ... a picture is worth a 1000 words.

See, what did I tell you ...?  Bear does the same thing in the house!

Teddy you are a big tattle tale ... just wait I know where you hide your stash of treats.

You don't scare me Bear ... come over here and open the door! 

Right behind you Teddy! Not! Let that little tattle tale figure things out on his own.

Do you ever wonder what we as dogs are thinking? Since we do not communicate with words as we do not have any vocal cords we communicate telepathically with each other. Our humans can also learn this form of communication with us by learning how to use telepathy. My mommy is  very new at this form of communication with us! We love it. My mommy recently came across a book called, "Psychic Communication with Animals for Health and Healing" by Laila del Monte. Publisher: Bear & Company Web Address: www.BearandCompanyBooks.com It sounds like a good book if I could read I would provide you with a review. But I will have to let my mommy to do it when she is finished reading it.

Well I think it's time my mommy got off the computer and started doing some work around here. She is going back to work next week and we are going back to daycare. Yippy! I am thrilled as I am tired of Angel and Bear giving me the gears. I have my little friends at daycare who are like me and we get together and tell those bigger guys we are the boss of all of them. Ha Ha Ha Ha!

Christmas in May 2010?

You were thinking of planting flowers?

Now listen here ... I did not pray for snow, it was Angel!

Thank you God for the white stuff!

Merry Christmas from our house to Yours

What did I tell you? It was Angel.

My mom is in the house ... what did you expect?

I am dreaming of a White Christmas

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ...

Since the beginning of May 2010 we have had numerous snow falls, melting and more snow. One thing for sure is the ground will be nice and moist once it stops snowing. My dogs have loved the snow and likely are a wee bit confused about the seasons. Ha Ha Ha! We can always use a good laugh now and then.

I think once the weather gets itself reorganized and the ground becomes dry enough to continue raking the stuff off from last year. 

Spring is here or is it?

 This is the vision I have for my yard this year ...

This is the reality I saw outside my doors on May 1st and 2nd!

What's this white stuff?

Angel decided to pack it in and go back to bed!

However, today May 4th, 2010 there is no more snow insight!

Well there is lots of moisture in the ground and should make for a nice green lawns and furtile flower beds!

The Twists and Turns of Life

             

Life has a way of getting our attention by throwing us some unexpected curves at the most inconvenient times. When our lives are disrupted by these twists and turns we have a choice to either respond or react to the situation. In the scheme of things the outcome depends largely upon us. You may be thinking I am I kidding? No, I am not kidding. Our belief system does influence our responses/reactions. If we believe life can't get any worse and it does we tend to think, "I knew this was going to happen." But if we look at life from the perspective "everything which comes our way is for the greater good" we are more likely to look to our inner strength than blaming life for our plight. Look at the two polar bears. Life happens for them and they do what comes naturally: live life as it's meant to be lived! They know what to do when danger lurks around the corner and they know how to play. I am sure they are not thinking about life is hard and if it wasn't for all these other polar bears life would be better.

Enjoying life,

Jaime

The Journey Continues ...

A new chapter; new adventures; new challenges; new beginnings and new endings; these are the makings of my life as it is right now. I never thought for a moment I would be afforded the opportunity to serve in Supervisory capacity during the last chapter of my life.

I face many challenges on a daily basis which I do not mind the least. However, I am faced with the daily reminders of people in my life who are both accepting of what I am trying to do and those who are resistant to any forms of change. I desire to use what I know to make a difficult job easier. It seems to me people are afraid of change and needing to hang on to what was and fail to embrace what could be.

I have thought long and hard of what to do in this regard and what comes to mind is for me to do nothing and just “be”. I have no control over those around me nor do I wish too. But I can control my responses. I can be what I need to be: myself. Others can try to run interference but they have no control over my responses. Only I have the power to choose my responses. If I respond in anger; then I bring on more anger. But if I chose to respond in love, kindness, and understanding it can weaken the negative emotions.

It’s not the situation itself which causes my emotions but rather it’s how I think about or perceive the situation which influences the response I choose. You have heard the phrase, “As a man thinketh, so is he”. Our thinking influences our behaviour by far. If you feel betrayed you act accordingly. If you believe and feel you are loved, honoured, and accepted, you act according to those beliefs. It always comes down to our thinking and what we allow to roll around in our head which can and does influence our behaviour.

If I enter a room full of people and know half of them are resistant to change and prone to releasing negative energy I can think and do one of two things. I can focus on the people expressing positive energy to neutralize the apparent negative energy of the others. If I give in to feelings of helplessness I am defeated. If I see myself as rising above those feelings and believe the negative people have the potential to contribute positive energy to the group there is a shift. My focus becomes what I need it to be to do the job which I have been chosen to do. My positive energy can influence the group respectfully without compromising the dignity of anyone but guiding them to unleash their potential. Think of it this way, we can change our situations by one thought at a time!

We will always have people in our lives trying to refocus our attention on the trivial rather than what is important. It’s your choice whether you give your power away by getting caught up in a no win situation. We learn to choose our battles accordingly and move on to greater heights by taking along those of like mind to climb those mountains and enjoy the view and journey as our eyes are focused on not what was but what could be. I made up a little motto for myself when I first accepted this position on a temporary basis: “to think the best, be the best and to do the best”. I live by this motto every day. On my wall in my office is a quote which says:

“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ...
                                  WOW ... What a ride!”     
                                                                        -Anonymous

Cheers!

Jaime

Bear as a wee puppy ...

Update ...

I can't believe my mommy stopped blogging for the past month? I mean, seriously she is missing out sharing all the wonderful things about me. Let me catch you up real quick.

Teddy, recently had dental surgery ... do you know how many treats $800.00 could buy? You do the math!

Angel, not costing a thing, is running her excess pounds off while at the daycare. I make sure the other dogs chase her around. But Angel is feisty; she chases them instead. Still same outcome ... shedding all those unwanted pounds.

Bear (me) where do I start? I love going to daycare playing with my friends and making new ones. I love the latter the best as I know my way around the daycare and let the newbies know I am incharge. The other day I met a Great Dane man is he big ... I barked at him and he took off. I did notice he tried to sniff Teddy ... he quickly made his way to his favorite hiding place. I am sure Teddy must have thought, "what was that?"

My mommy, well there is lots going on for her ... I know she's real busy at work because she has been talking about retirement again. The other day she told someone on the phone when she's retired she plans on taking in "retired dogs", you know the kind people think are too old to have around. If you ask me we are never too old just take a look at Teddy, he's old 63 in dog years! He's two years older than my mom! Don't let her know I told you.

Got to run ... it's time to get into somethings around here!

Bear

Last week of vacation ...

I am happy to report that Daycare is just around the corner. I am sure my mommy is happy about that too because Bear did get into some mischief over the holidays. So what else is new?

I too, had a good vacation and am ready to go back to work. (I will probably re-think the statement in a week from now!) The weather this week is absolutely beautiful. We are up to 19 Fahrenheit ... which is like a heat wave given the 40 below temperatures over the past few weeks.

Hence I am doing the domestic thing today ... you know laundry, vacuuming, floors, etc etc. I think you get the picture. Well I better run and put in another load.

Jaime & Company

The Ideal vacation ...

Most people consider a winter vacation flying off to some place warm during the winter months. There are many others who are unable to afford the luxury of such a dream but are just as happy to remain where they are and enjoy their current surroundings. You see it's a matter of mind over matter. It's how we think about our lives that can influence our feelings about the same.

I am not saying that winter vacations in the tropics is not an ideal way to spend time away from the cold, infact I have taken those kind of vacations myself on more than one occassion. But I also am just as happy to spend my vacation at home. I moved to the country and enjoy my surroundings to the fullest.

I think it comes down to how we feel about ourselves as it does influence our state of mind during our vacation.

Cheers,

Jaime & Company

Winter Vacation

This scene is similiar to my back yard. My french doors open to my back deck which over looks the yard. It's a beautiful site. Bear loves to run out in the yard. He faithfully does his perimeter checks each time he goes out. He lets out a bark or two announcing his watch to all concerned.

During this vacation I have received a glimpse into what retirement would be like for me. I think it will be an adjustment nonetheless a goal that I do look forward to in the future.

I enjoy the work that I am currently involved in as there are many challenges and things to learn. I think the key for me is that I have a choice as to whether I continue working or retire. I have one more week left on my vacation. The time has flown by as is the norm when having a break.

Cheers,

Jaime & Company

This morning when I opened the french doors to let the dogs out Angel ran out and started rolling in the snow. Bear came in as quickly as he went out. Teddy, well he's still in bed! The winds are blowing and it's pretty cold out there. I had thought of going into the city to pick up some supplies but changed my mind when I heard about travel warnings for today. Since I am on vacation right now it's great to not have to go anywhere.

I decided to take time off in January instead of Christmas my thinking was influenced by the weather given I drive into the city everyday. I don't mind the drive but this time of year it can get a wee bit scary at times.

Enjoy,

Jaime & Company

Angel's Birthday New years Day

Finally, it's my birthday. Yippy! I must admit that 2009 was quite the year for me. I lost my best buddy Haida to cancer. I still miss her. Then mommy brought another GSD who she named "Bear" ... I must admit the name suites him. He's always yelping like a bear. I love putting him in his place. Last place that is ... I must admit he does grow on you!

Mommy found this great doggie daycare called "The Playground Dog Daycare and Kennels" we love it. She drops us off on her way to work. I have made a lot of friends and sure do miss them over the holidays. I over heard mommy talking on the phone about taking us there during the holidays because Bear is bored. We're bored too. Well maybe not Teddy he sleeps most of the day. He's the senior dog in this pack.

Mommy is going to have a party for me today. What fun I can hardly wait.

Cheers,

Angel