Frosty the Wisconsin Snowman

This Christmas I sent a big box of gifts out to the Wisconsin crew. Inside was a jokey little thing -- a snowman making kit. I wasn't sure if they'd ever put it to use but seeing as they have so much snow, I figured the fake carrot nose and the felt hat could come in handy. Well, who knew it would be such a hit!
Here, Marley (l) and Dane (r) and a helping friend pose with their jolly friend.

And alas, it was only a matter of time before a warm front came through... !

Updates and whatnot

So the arm is healing up nicely and the stitches come out on Thursday if all goes well. I would be happy to share pictures, tho I don't think it's something most of you want to see. It's really a bit gruesome and a much larger incision than I had thought it would be. The biggest hassle has been the stupid sling that totally threw off my back and neck. It's one thing to have a bum arm, but then to have a tweaked neck and shoulder on the opposite side on top of it all... ugh! I'm still out of commission when it comes to riding, and I'm not supposed to be doing much typing, which is a bit of a problem given my profession...!

Speaking of profession, I had a meeting up at the paper today and there may be some new projects ahead for me, so that would be exciting. Fingers crossed, please! I also finished up a big copywriting job for BBD and StrideRite, which has been a lot of fun. Life has been so much more enjoyable now that my scheduled has lightened up with CA. I'd forgotten what it was like to have a weekend. It was a long wait but well worth it.

Sluggies goes to his new home

On Saturday, our Sluggies headed back up to Vermont to live with his new family. We had him for a month and what an amazing turn-around we witnessed. He went from a dog that wouldn't do anything but sleep in his crate, to one who truly discovered what it meant to be a pet, playing with toys, sitting on laps and just appreciating human attention and company. He also went from a dog that we didn't want to pet because his coat was so gross and smelly, to one that we loved having around (and those of you who are in the know, the white hair is softest!!) Anyhow, he's one of those dogs that reminds me why we foster. He really needed us and we got him to the point where he was ready to go to a new home. I heard from his new family today that he's doing great and they're loving him lots. We miss you Sluggies!!

Fun at the hospital!

You know you're a wreck when the nurses in the pre-op department "remember you from last time!" Anyhow, I won't go into all the details but basically I had this elbow surgery thing yesterday that will (hopefully) stop the fireworks of "falling alseep" fingers in my arm. It's like a carpal tunnel thing but was most likely pushed into high gear after my riding accident and its related surgeries. Anyhow, we braved the storm yesterday and got this taken care of.

Here you can see where X marks the spot.

And here, after lots and lots of drugs and some graham crackers, I'm ready to go in my "bulky dressing" as my surgeon calls it. All I can think of is creamy dressing... ranch dressing... thousand island dressing.... ok. i'm not supposed to be typing. so there you have it!

PBR!!

Last night Gary and I donned our cowboy boots and headed to the DCU center for some professional bull riding!

I was truly in my element. Not that I want to ride bulls, but I think I should be living in the west with lots of hosses. I loved the craziness of this sport and of course it was a great for people watching. We had seats in the 3rd row, which was a treat. Thankfully no one -- guys or bulls -- were hurt during the event.

I loved watching the horse, of course.

Spotted!

Who would have guessed that the cashier lady at my Dunkin/Exxon would recognize me from my running photo in the newspaper! This morning when I was buying some milk she says, "Hey - you're in the newspaper! I see your photo in there all the time!" I'm sure the paparazzi will be outside our door in no time. Between me and Tankee, we're quite the household!

Tank's filming at WGBH

Today was Tankee's big day at WGBH, shooting some footage during the auditions for the next season of PBS's Fetch!, the show that Riot had starred in. I was super nervous that he would be a bit of a wild man, but he really pulled through and was a total ham! Everyone loved him.

They had him wear a cute little t-shirt from the show, which fit perfectly (once we cut the sleeves and bottom off.)
We filmed some scenes of him pulling a wagon and running down the hallway. (He'll do anything for hotdogs!) We had to sneak him in the building but once we got him there, we had him sit while the kids (about 200 of the expected 2000 that would come thru during the day) were waiting in line for their auditions. He was great. Just sat there with his big face.
Here, he sits while the kids say hello to him.
While I was in line with my treats one little girl said, "Oh, is that the new Murray?" (For those of you who don't know, "Murray" was Riot's name on the show.) So I had to explain that yes, this was the new Murray, because Murray is no longer with us... :( But I told her that his 'brother' was taking his place in the show and his name is Tank! I think it's great that they're going to keep his name on the show. All in all it was a great day and I'm very proud of my star!

Tur...duck...

....EN! Yes, it's a turducken! Dena and Frank (above) invited us over last night for dinner and to enjoy a turducken. Now, I don't eat duck but I figured that since it wasn't a turVENISONen or anything scary that Frank might shoot in the woods then I'd be ok with it. Well, let's just say it was quite tasty! The stuffing was spicy and the trio of meats was yummy. I had pictured a giant carcass thing, but so you know, the whole contraption is quite small as you can see here. Here, Gary is pretending to be a wild 20-something (like our hosts!) by shooting some Crown Royal down his trap as a turducken appetizer. After dinner we played Cranium, which is always a good laugh. Horray for the girls who won (even if it was by the slimmest of margins...!)

Wow Wii

Yes, the Wii was Gary's Christmas present, but I have to say that I'm getting awfully attached to that silly game. It got to the point today where I had to stop because my "firing thumb" was spasming so bad I couldn't peoperly control my Mii (that is, my Wii avatar.) I guess it's a good thing that it's back to work tomorrow. Then again, my new schedule kicks in tomorrow and I'm only in the office on Wednesdays and Fridays... (maybe there are some strengthening exercises I can do....)

Yee haw!

Next weekend Gary and I are heading to the DCU center for PBR. Yes, that's right, professional bull riding! After attending my first rodeo in Colorado this summer, I'm itching to see some more of this bad ass action. And I need a good excuse to wear my cowboy boots.