Hey 2010.............

Dont let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

Bring on 2011

THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT, 2011

02/03/2011 - 01/22/2012 (Metal)

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit, which begins on February 3, 2011 and ends on January 22, 2012. The Rabbit is the fourth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 animals signs. The Rabbit is a lucky sign. Rabbits are private individuals and a bit introverted. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are reasonably friendly individuals who enjoy the company of a group of good friends. They are good teachers, counselors and communicators, but also need their own space.

According to Chinese tradition, the Rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves. It is a time for negotiation. Don't try to force issues, because if you do you will ultimately fail. To gain the greatest benefits from this time, focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships with women and children. Make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you will be able to calmly deal with any problem that may arise

So there you have it. May the Rabbit people enjoy (and dog peoples too, I am a dog, the guardian of humanity. Snort!)

Will I or wont I? Make a resolution? Hmmmmm, lets try.

I resolve not to use so many bad words: Broke that one already.

I resolve to eat healthier: Oops, almost spilled my cocktail.

I resolve to exercise: How many calories does typing burn?

I resolve to change my life this year maybe in a different career direction: Keeps me from kickin my "superiors" in the face.

I resolve to quit smoking sometime this year: Okay, that one I am serious about.

I resolve to accept my age: but fully intend to keep lying about it.

I resolve to love my bunnies even more: DONE

Have a wonderful New Year kids. I hope it brings blessings and happiness to each and every one of you.

Two dumbest things I've heard all Year

Do rabbits lay eggs?

Do you think my cat and rabbit had a baby together?

Huh? Seriously? And you people are worried about spaying and neutering animals...

Fatty Macfattersons from Fattyville. Is it Spring yet?

I dont know how much an elephant can eat in a day but I am thinking that I am pretty close to it. I will be so glad when this week is OVER. I am starting to resemble this photo. Now I want a big plate of rolls hot from the oven. My lovely friend Pix at http://waterloofarms.blogspot.com/ just made me hungry for bread now. Dammit. I cant keep eating like this.

I made fudge, candied pecans/walnuts, applesauce cake, they had treats at Heartland, treats at work besides the usual 2 boxes of Krispy Kreme donuts that my co-worker Sean still brings every friday because he adores me. (ha, not really its a bribe to make me behave) My co-worker and friend Torri brings me a big plate of food every night like I am starving. (her family wont eat leftovers.....I am stunned) and my ass is starting to resemble a cannonball. My friend Jackie called a bit ago complaining that her kids gots jewelry for Christmas and her husband gave her a cast iron skillet. Now all I can think about is a big pan of cornbread. Hmmmm, cornbread/butter, a big pot of beans, fresh tomatoes from the garden. DAMMIT JIM! This has got to stop. This is just another reason why I hate the misery that is winter. I want to eat eat eat and sleep sleep sleep. (maybe I should have put up a photo of a bear instead) Oh, did I mention last night my neighbor brought over a big plate of leftover Bee Sting Cake and Cheesecake? I think it is a conspiracy and someone is trying to either kill me or fatten me up for a reenactment of the Donner party incident.

I NEED green! No, not salad. (although, I could go for a salad) I want warm weather, my flowers blooming and to sit on my patio and enjoy the sunshine. A mockingbird in my yard was just griping about the same thing this morning or he was startled to see an Orca wandering into the yard. It was a bit like the panic I saw at the rescue on Monday. I was leaning over a playpen cleaning our beautiful Athena when one of our volunteers crept up behind me and scared the ever livin shi* out of me when she said hello. I lost my balance for a sec and poor Thena probably thought a hippo was about to fall on her.

Brace yourselves, I have a lot to say all week.

By the way Austin came home from the hospital last night. His family held a belated Christmas for him. I am so glad that little one is better. Thanks for your thoughts, wishes and prayers for him.

Monday Mantra (plus a little extra)

"All you need is love"

The Beatles

Haven after a night with Grandma. (spoiled a bit maybe?)

Dont worry the loud new look isnt permanent. Just for New Years.
Blinding isnt it?

A Wish For You All

May the coming year bring you much happiness dear friends. I enjoy your blogs and your visits to mine. Thank you for all your support and encouraging words about Haven. He is still with us and happy.

Thank you for your thoughts and wishes for Austin (my neighbor's grandson) His fever broke last night. WOOOOOOHOOOO

Be safe out there and be good. If you cant be good............come sit by me.

Think of Him

I wanted to make all my posts between Christmas and New Years happy/silly/funny. We will have some of that I promise but for now:

My neighbors grandson has been battling leukemia for the last 2 years. January was supposed to be his last chemo treatment. A simple stupid flu virus he picked up is bringing him close to death. He will be in the hospital thru the holidays and only his mom and dad can visit so he isn't vulnerable to more infection. He is only 7 years old and I have never seen or heard that child say a negative thing. He comes over often and asks to see the buns with his little sister. He is gentle and soft spoken and loves him some superman.

Say a prayer for him to whomever you worship. If you dont worship and you step outside to look at the lunar eclipse, think of him.

Thank you dear friends.

Monday Mantra

I am soooooooo NOT wearing that hat!

"I would rather have 30 minutes of wonderful, than a lifetime of nothing special"

Julia Roberts in Steel Magnolias

Monday Mantra

On the plains of hesitation bleach the bones of countless millions who, at the dawn of decision, sat down to wait, and waiting died.
Sam Ewing

("The Thinker" was actually designed after Haven, it really was I tell you)

WTF?

Methinks I need to rant for just a moment. The Oklahoma City Humane Society appears on our local news here (News 9) to promote animal adoptions. Great, wonderful, fabulous. Today they featured a little cutie puppy and talked about their 12 Days Of Catmas program. You can adopt an adult cat for free for 12 days. The rocket scientist of a reporter said "cats and dogs make great stocking stuffers" and then everyone had a nice chuckle.

ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME? Congrats! You just set the work of the Humane Society back about 20 years.

Results of giving dogs and cats (and other animals) as Christmas presents? If they dont end up back at the Humane Society in three months, they most certainly will end up at the pound.

Giving away animals for free? Oh Gosh, who doesnt love a free animal? I know snake breeders love free little cuddly animals. Bunchers love ( I will let you google Bunchers) love love free animals. They can sell them to labs and make a little cash for them. Lets not forget backyard breeders and those great folks who sell animals at flea markets and auctions.

Someone needs a swift kick in the ass. I wrote the H.S. and I really hope they will re-think what they did today.

Monday Mantra

Kites rise highest against the wind - not with it.
Winston Churchill

Tell me a story Momma!

Every year at Christmas I read A Christmas Carol. I watch all the old versions of it too. I am a sucker for them. I am currently reading it out loud to Haven. Silly, I know but I am so grateful he is still with us.

3 weeks ago on Sunday, I had Haven in my arms. I was headed out the door to take him to the vet and help him across the bridge. I told not a soul. My heart was breaking wide open to see him in so much pain. Haven was diagnosed with Osteomyelitis (that is a very serious bone infection) and his ankle was completely turned inward. He was using his face to push himself to a standing position. He was doped to the hilt with pain meds and still hurting.

I am a problem solver. From the moment I brought Haven home I was determined to "make him better" We tried different antibiotics, anti-parasite drugs, herbal meds, and on and on. He has fought off pneumonia 3 times this year. His skin and coat were so unhealthy his fur was gone on both back legs. He could no longer stand to use the bathroom.

I have consulted with numerous bunny folks, vets, read case studies, talked to dreaded breeders, read books and driven us all crazy with "Haven talk" over the past few months.

I decided to try one more routine for Haven. A combo of a new antibiotic and something called Aquapuncture. Someone who I trust very much is advising me.

Haven is walking again. He has had no pain meds since Monday. He can stand to use the bathroom again. He can stand up to eat again. Haven is no longer using his leaning box constantly. His head tilt has straightened out a bit. (only slightly folks, no miracles)

There is an inherent danger to the Internet. There are so many groups and "spaces" that hand out bunny advice without thought. I have become so frustrated with listening to other people tell me what is best for a particular bunny I could scream. There is not one person who knows everything about bunnies. I dont care who it is or how much experience they have had. Haven has a terrific bunny vet but even she is not a "bunny expert" Guess what? Nobody is. Every bun is different and reacts/responds to different treatments. You have to keep trying new things and make up your own mind. I felt like whatever I did, it was better than letting him suffer.

It is so wonderful to walk into the room and have my baby get up and greet me. I will not let him get to the point he was a few weeks ago. It was selfish of me. We just love him so much and want him with us as long as possible. He is not only better but is thriving.

As Tiny Tim would say "God Bless Us Everyone!"

God Bless you Haven. (whoever she is)

Monday Mantra

Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.

Charles Dickens
(He's one of my favorites)

Monday Mantra

Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
Mohandas Gandhi

OH! Look! There's a turkey in the road.

I was on my way to buy green yummies for the buns last night and my friend called. The conversation went like this. (keep in mind I was talking to her over my car radio so we could hear each other quite well)

Me: "Hello, oh there's a turkey in the road"

D: "What, hello?"

Me: "hang on a sec, I see a turkey"

D: "What? A live turkey?"

Me: "nope, a frozen smoked turkey"

D: "Okay......." "What are you gonna do with it?"

Me: "I am gonna turn around and get it"

D: "YOU ARE GONNA TAKE A TURKEY SOMEONE DROPPED IN THE ROAD?"

Me: "Its not for me, I will give it to the neighbors"

D: "Really?, your gonna present your neighbors with a raggedy turkey from the street?"

Me: "Why not?, if its still frozen it should be good and they LIKE smoked turkey" (I dont)

D: "okay"

Me: "hold on a sec" (I exit the car and I can hear her laughing)

Me: "Never mind"

D: "What? Was it squished?"

Me: "Uh, no. It was a bag of trash"

D: Laughs uproariously

Me: "Well, it LOOKED like a turkey"

"How much is that bun bun in the window, the one with the fluffity tail?"

Yeah Right. My baby girl is NOT for sale. No amount of money honey.

Have a good week everyone!

No Explanation Needed

" I am adorable huh?"

"Whatever"

Thank You

Dudley is 3 this month!

My sweet little antisocial blue-eyed boy. He has been with me 3 years this month. I am not sure exactly but he is probably closer to 3 1/2. He doesnt trust a soul after all this time. He is usually off in his hidey hole or his little tent. In 3 years I have only gotten 2 kisses and never a nose bump of approval. We dont care, we love him anyway.

Happy Birthday Dudley Doodles.

44 Caliber Handbun

Okay, I am really sorry about the title but I couldnt resist.

A Giveaway

One of the fine volunteers at Heartland has put together this wonderful vegetarian cookbook. There are 120 veggie recipes. Now, you don't have to be a vegetarian to enjoy this and get lots of use out of it. There are appetizers, main dishes, side dishes and yummy desserts. (it is a meatless cookbook but not vegan, so if you are like me and think cooking without eggs and butter isnt possible, this is right up your alley) Not to mention some fun bunny tales inside. If you would like to order the cookbook you can email
bunnybitescookbook@gmail.com They are $10 plus $2.75 ($4.95 flat rate for more than one) shipping and all the proceeds go to Heartland Rabbit Rescue.

The Giveaway: I am giving away 2 cookbooks. All you have to do is be the first 2 people to answer this question correctly in the comments: What are the MOST bunnies have I had living with me at one time? Think before you answer because Millie wasn't here when some of my other buns were.
I will email you and get all your info for shipping if you win and YES my overseas blog readers can play too!
Good Luck!

A quick note: If you are a vegan there are ingredients and suggestions listed in the cookbook to make some of these recipe's adhere to a vegan's diet. How cool is that?

Gorgeous flowers, wine and working bunnies

Tofu works at a local gift store in Eureka Springs. She is part lop and part lionhead. What a patient sweet natured girl. She hands you your change and your receipt. The folks that have these bunnies keep only rescued buns. It is amazing how calm they stay among all the tourists. They are well guarded and well taken care of. If you are ever in Eureka Springs, stop by and visit the two working bunny stores (anyone can tell you where they are)

Mandevilla vine still blooming. (I think I spelled that right)

We almost missed the leaves. They are rapidly changing color. Usually these trees are so red they look like they are on fire.

Our little cottage was adorable. Neat as a pin and homemade cinnamon rolls baked every morning by the owners. Yummy.

I normally dont look like I have lazy eye. (teehee) But the wine was flowing. I am in the red t-shirt and my dear friend Jackie and I are enjoying wine before our dinner. I always visit Ermilio's Italian. There is never shorter than a 30 minute wait. It is the best Italian restaurant I have ever had and I always look forward to eating there.

We had a blast! The leaves were beautiful and so were the flowers. When we came out after dinner there were hundreds of kids trick or treating. It was so much fun. We sat for over an hour and watched the kids. Some lines to the houses were 30 kids deep waiting their turn. Parents dressed up too! I saw not one person act ugly or misbehave. I longed for the times when I was a kid and Halloween was a safe and fun holiday without any danger.

League of Extraordinary Buns

Millie

Nemo and Stewart (RIP)

Dudley

Tango

Mojo

Haven

Where to begin.........

My front porch is ready for Halloween!

Let me recap the invents of the last 2 weeks.

The Friday before the german cousins arrived Haven started labored breathing. I rushed him to the vet late friday. Pneumonia again. "sigh" More meds. Poor Haven but he is quite better now and his breathing sounds great.

German family arrives Wed Sept 29th. They were set to arrive Tues but missed their connecting flight in DC. Thanks to the not so helpful airlines they waited 24hrs for another flight. I wont even begin to start my rant on the airlines. It would take up the whole blog.

I have never met any of my mom's family before. It was a communist country before the wall came down. They werent allowed in the states and my mom was only able to get in after considerable drama and only a few times in the last 50 years.

My cousin Marianne is 60 and my mom's sisters oldest child. She was a sweetie. The kind tired face of someone who works too hard. Her and husband Alfredo (he is Italian) own a restaurant in their little town in germany and work their butts off. This was her first trip to America and all she wanted to do was buy a pair of jeans and visit.

Martin is 35 and Marianne's nephew. He was a hoot. Long black hair down to his butt. Both ears pierced and dresses all in black. I was fascinated by him. He got a few stares here in Oklahoma but who cares. He visited the bunnies every night and handed out lovin. Its easy to like someone who likes your furry kids. Martin was interested in everything. 7-11 was a particular fancy. A store open 24hrs? "Cool" (he knew a few english words) Every plate of food I put in front of him was "wunderbar". When they left I told him he wasnt my cousin anymore but my little brother.

I have never enjoyed visitors more. It put a shine on my mother's face that I havent seen in years. She got to use her native language for 10 whole days and they talked and talked. We went around Ok to all the usual places a tourist might want to visit. I took them places by myself when mom was too tired to go. We figured things out just fine. Golden Corral was interesting too. They could not believe all the food that was wasted. Martin tried "wiggle pudding" (jello) and found it lacking. LOL

Leaving them at the airport last Friday morning was heartbreaking. I was glad to have some peace and quiet but I will miss them like crazy. Saturday afternoon while the buns and I were watching LSU take The Gators I was chatting with my oldest friend online while we both watched the game. My mouse wouldnt move across the mouse pad right. I picked up the pad to check the problem. There were 3 ten dollar bills under it along with a note in German. "Please take this and buy a little something for the bunnies" Martin. I adore him.

We have lots of plans for Halloween. Ghost hunts and a trip to Eureka Springs at the end of this month. I look forward to visiting my home away from home. I hope the leaves are at their peak and waiting to greet me. There will be lots of girl talk, shopping, cocktails, and laughter. We had a cancer scare with my good friend Jackie but thankfully it wasnt cancer so all the more reason to enjoy our trip. I am ready.

Mojo decided to scare the hell out of me Sat. My girl has never had a bad day in her life. I found her hiding sat night. Grinding her teeth and a tight tummy. I sprang into action and got her pain meds and gut drugs. By sunday afternoon she was eating, pooping and back to being my silly girl. Please dont do that to momma again Miss Mojee.

I hope all is well with all of you. Enjoy the fall weather and if you celebrate it: Happy Halloween! There will be a trip report and pictures of Eureka Springs.

We are exhausted!

From our visitors. We will blog about it at a later time. All is well and Haven is doing great!

Company? Germans? What are Germans?

Haven says he doesnt care as long as he gets his food and lovin. We will be off blog for a bit folks. Family will be here for 10 days and we will be busy. Hopefully we can find some time to visit our favorite blogs. I am off to take a Lortab and a Xanex. (dont know about that spelling and just kidding by the way) I need a vacation from vacation. Cleaning for 5 days straight has worn me out. I did get a visit to the rescue yesterday and took a bunch of buns outside for exercise. It was the highlight of the past week. See you soon dear friends.

P.S. Haven is battling pneumonia again. Think good thoughts for him okay?

Sunday Is Just For Funday

Electricity is really just organized lightning.
George Carlin

(Carlin will always be one of my favorite comics)

I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific.
Lily Tomlin

Why slap them on the wrist with a feather when you can belt them over the head with a sledgehammer.
Katharine Hepburn

(The grandest dame I have ever seen in movies)

I posted this question a very long time ago but lets see who wants to play: If you could spend an evening with 5 dead people, who would they be? 1 person at a time, the whole evening. I dont choose family members because I believe I will be with them again someday. Who would you choose????????????

Me:

Lewis and Clark (I am counting them as one)

Edgar Allan Poe

Lee Harvey Oswald

Geronimo

Jimmy Stewart

My list is exactly the same as it was 10 years ago when someone first asked me! What's your list look like?

"You are getting very sleepy!"

Friday Facts

Perfection!

Hey folks after reading another ridiculous comment about rabbits I feel a strong compulsion to go over some rabbit basics again. All my blog readers that are bunny people will find this old hat. My lovely nonbunny readers may not find this interesting either so you may be excused if you wish. We may start doing Friday Facts on a regular basis but they wont all be bun related.

My rabbits are all spayed and neutered. The do not all live together. Not all bunnies get along. Mojo, Tango and Dudley are a bonded trio. Mojo and Tango are female, Dudley is male. Spayed and neutered bunnies have better litter box habits and tend to have less behavioral issues. They also tend to live longer. Female bunnies can get uterine cancer and boy bunnies can get testicular cancer.

Haven is a male, Millie is a female. They are NOT a bonded pair. They free roam in a room together. They do not fight and the only time Millie cuddles with Haven is if she wants something.

I do not care if you: used to raise rabbits, currently raise rabbits, eat rabbits, think rabbits are "stupid pets". I dont visit your blogs and make comments that your dogs, cats, horses, hamsters and kids are stupid. Your uninformed opinions on bunnies are useless to me.

I do not run a rescue. I volunteer at a rabbit rescue. I believe that every state has at least 1 bunny rescue.

RABBITS ARE NOT RODENTS. RABBITS ARE NOT RODENTS. RABBITS ARE NOT RODENTS.

RABBITS ARE LAGOMORPH'S LAGOMORPH'S LAGOMORPH'S

Bunnies can live a long time. They tend to live a hell of a lot longer if they are fixed, live indoors, and get the proper diet and the love and attention they deserve.

This one is tricky. "Are rabbits messy?" Frankly my bunnies are messy. Some buns are very tidy. Millie has excellent litter box habits with her tinkles but leaves doots everywhere. I vacuum daily. Haven cannot use a potty box. His head tilt and arthritis will not allow it. He is a good bun about using his "people pads" tho. Accidents happen. I clean daily. I never want anyone to walk into my home and say "damn, what is that smell?"

Rabbits all have different personalities. Some are shy, some are outgoing, some are real snugglers and some prefer to be to themselves.

Tango is a homebody, Mojo is a troublemaker, Dudley is still scared of people after 3 years, Millie is a princess and Haven loves to snuggle.

I am lucky, my bunnies dont bother cords, dont eat the walls, and really dont have any negative habits other than Millie Mouse waking me up every single morning destroying her cardboard abode. My bunnies are not permitted to jump on furniture or tear up the carpet. They have rules like any other family member and I am forced to live by them. LOL

Mojo, Tango and Dudley are out and about everyday. Their area is blocked off by a playpen and they have about a 10 foot wide and 10 foot deep space to live in when I am not able to supervise them. I have stairs in my house and a blind brother. We cant afford to have a blind person trip and fall over a bunny on the stairs.

Okay folks I will leave it at that. I dont mean to lecture but I know my fellow bun lovers know EXACTLY where I am coming from. There is a lot more to know about rabbits but that would take 10 pages. My one single wish if anyone learns anything from my blog is: Dont buy live toys for your kids at Easter and if you take a pet of any kind into your home remember that is a commitment for the life of that animal. They are not disposable.

One more thing: Haven is not suffering. He has head tilt. He has arthritis in one of his back legs. He gets a little dose of metacam daily for that. He moves around fine, he is not in pain, he has a great appetite and a sweet disposition. If it ever seems like he is no longer enjoying his life or suffering he will be helped across the bridge with all the love I have in my heart. Until such time, bugger off!

Monday Mantra

I’m not overweight. I’m just nine inches too short.

Shelley Winters

Something Simple For Today

Rest Easy Baxter

Godspeed on your journey baby!

Is it time yet?

Millie is waiting patiently for the game to start! She has her snacks ready. No chicken wings and beer for this girl.

Geaux Tigers!

Update for Pix!

Not much happening around the homestead. All 5 buns are doing great. They are hearing the rumors of family coming from Germany and they are hoping they like bunnies. I am just waiting for it to be over. Just like the summer heat! Football just isnt the same when its hot outside.

Big veggie party at the rescue Sunday. I love to watch all the buns tuck into a big plate of greens. Lots of work but the reward is HUGE.

Hey Pix we have our reservations for Eureka Springs. It should be just beautiful on Halloween weekend. I will take lots of pictures of the fall color. We are staying at Sherwood Court and I really hope its nice. All the cottages are already booked! I look forward to sitting on the balcony of the Crescent sipping a cocktail.

My new computer is fabulous. No more dial up and waiting waiting waiting.......(by the way I got a new computer, hehe)

I hope all is well for everyone and I wish you a fabulous Labor Day Weekend. Be safe and enjoy!

Sweetie!

Have a good weekend everyone!

God Bless The Beasts and The Children

I dont have any pictures for this one folks. It was one of those times when my camera wasn't handy.

I took Millie out in the front yard this evening for a romp and a good brushing. My girl just paraded around and inspected everything. She chinned a couple of pine cones and snacked a bit on some grass. I was just enjoying her and pulling out huge tufts of hair.

My neighbor across the street rescued her little niece and nephew. Their parents are meth heads and these little ones were living in bad conditions. When their aunt (my neighbor) heard about what was happening, they drove from Oklahoma to Florida to pick up these kids. They have seen way too much at the ages of 6 and 8.

I hear a loud exclamation from their yard. The little girl comes running the second she spies Millie. My neighbor followed and asked what Millie's story was. I told her and this little girl was so upset and outraged about Millie's treatment. (I probably shouldn't have said anything in front of her) She spoke to Millie in hushed tones and decided to give Millie Mouse a show. She turned flips for my girl. Sang her a little song and then raced up and down the yard while Millie watched in rapt attention. It was the cutest little performance and Millicent seemed to really enjoy it. She responded in kind with a couple of binky's.

The little boy came out of the house and his sister called to him to come see the bunny. He came over very shyly and asked me several questions about her. He then asked if he could pet her. I told him yes and how to touch her and he took off running for home. I was pretty puzzled. A couple of minutes later he came running back wearing latex gloves. I asked him what the gloves were for. He said, god bless him, "I dont want to get any bad germs on her"

He thinks his germs are bad? Jesus, I would like to kick his parents in the face.

I guess it just proves that treating others poorly because you were treated poorly is lousy excuse.

I Dont Recall..........

Asking you to check my butt, sweep my doots or take my picture. Just rub my ears, fix my salad and serve me human.........Geesh, it that so hard to understand?