Father's Day

In a consolidation effort, this entry was added from another blog on September 4, 2011.

Today is Father’s Day.  I hope you made your Dad breakfast in bed!  I’d like to say a bit about my Dad, my Husband, and all those men out there who are wonderful Dads.   

Thanks, Daddy!  Thanks for building a maze for my hamsters, just because I wanted one.  Thanks for showing me that love is an action word.  Words are cheap.  It’s what you DO for those you love that matters.  Thanks for picking all the tripe out of my menudo AND fishing the ground meat out of my spaghetti sauce.  Thanks for always cutting the meat on my plate. I still let you do that for years after I could do it on my own because it made me feel special.  Thanks for working so hard to provide a roof over our heads.  

And for my special Hubby....Thanks for being THE example of love that my Dad laid down. It was totally worth the wait.  Thank your for being a father figure to my children.  They know they can depend on you.  Thanks for being strong enough to withstand the hurricane that is Kelly and not hold it against me.  And, last but not least, THANK YOU for not letting my love of animals (bunnies, in particular) wreck your idea of what a home is all about.  You are the best!  

We Aren't In Kansas Anymore....

In a consolidation effort, this entry was added from another blog on September 4, 2011.

Boo....because we had a great time!  Even though we only got to stay one night, I think we had a pretty good weekend.  We attended the MAAC Angora Specialty show, where Hershey picked up a leg (BOB) in Show A.  Show B, she placed 2nd in her class. She lost out to Margaret Bartold’s beautiful tort doe...not too shabby, I’d say.  Also...we picked up Cimmerian, a beautiful senior black buck from Margaret.  He will be our herd buck.  BUT, my favorite part (well worth the 8 hour drive by itself) was all the wonderful information and advice I got from Margaret and Randy(judge).  She was so wonderful and patient while giving me grooming tips and angora advice.  I got behind the judges table and received great hands on training.  All the forums and emails and internet research does not take the place of quality one-on-one time with an expert.  Thanks, Margaret and Randy!   We had a wonderful time at the Kansas show and plan to go again next year.  It would be cool to go up there with a group of Texas breeders.  That’s definitely something to work on.  

Now it’s off to groom the bunnies!

Lesson of the Day: Good Lighting is Essential

In a consolidation effort, this entry was added from another blog on September 6, 2011.
We took Charlee to his first show this weekend.  I was so excited because I thought he looked really good.  I did concede that I have no idea what the judges would look for except what I had read online.  I counted toes, verified eye color, clipped toenails, checked his man parts to ensure everything was there and blew out his coat.  He would at least look pretty...and fluffy.  I printed off a rabbit show checklist I found online.  Thanks to whoever put that thing online because it was perfect! I made everyone at the house insane because I was so revved up for the show.  I apologize for that: I just wanted to make sure I had everything perfect.  Anyhow, I plopped Charlee in his little carrier and headed off the the show, family (and their bunnies) in tow.   Everyone was so nice in Austin.  They showed us where to go and what paperwork to fill out.  Even in line, we found kind folks ready to help out.  Rabbit people are so nice!

And of course, Sasha and John were there with their little chocolate EAs.  I had those things on my mind ever since Sasha mentioned them at the State Show last month.  I could not resist and bought their last little doe which we named Hershey.  James bought her for K, so she'd have a bunny to show as well.  Of course, I will keep her and care for her and pretty much consider her mine because K does not like animals in her house.  K then coined the phrase "grandbunny"...a rabbit she can cuddle and then return to someone else who is responsible for care and upbringing.  

At the show, Sasha and family were so gracious.  They really took time to help me.  I obviously had much to learn about grooming these little guys.  Sasha taught me how to turn the rabbits over and brush out their legs so the whole bunny looks like a fluffy ball.  Charlee was not pleased, but he was a good sport.  I spent most of the day trying to drag every bit of rabbit info out of Sasha, John, and Sasha's mom.  It was nice to be able to talk to someone who had rabbits like me.  And, most of all, to see their rabbits in real life.  They were so patient.  By the way, our little bunny from Sasha did quite well at the table.  She placed first in her class in both shows.  What a wonderful start!

But it wasn't all wine and roses....

The judges' table held my only disappointment of the day.  Show A:  Charlee was DQ'd for a white toenail.  How did I not see that?  Both James and I looked at all his little toenails.  Rats!  Immediately, we were called for Show B:  Charlee was DQ'd again....for white toenails.  I was sad for Charlee, although he seemed unphased.  On the up side, he got great comments otherwise.  I was still a bit skeptical about the toenails (because I always know best haha), although two very experienced judges apparently felt otherwise.  We had looked at those toenails at the house.  Every site I visited about rabbit show preparations said check for DQs (toenails included) and we did.  I pulled his fur back and held his paw up in the revealing sunlight.  Ugh!  There it was it bright daylight....a shiny, white toenail.  It was so glaringly obvious that I just looked at James and say, "I think we need new lightbulbs."  

Charlee and Biggles out in the sun...where I should have looked at Charlee's toenails.  

OK, so it's been a while...

I have been busy. Yes, I have still been writing, but not on the computer. I confess that I haven't been writing everyday. I daydream about rabbits, mostly. Rabbits and relationships. I'll explain more about that later. For now, I will just catch up.
There are 4 rabbits living here now. Elizabeth got a baby Netherland Dwarf to show. My stepson got an older Mini-Rex, also to show. I have taken over Mr. Biggles and Charlee (Like I didn't see that coming and gave it a big ol' bear hug). I'm pretty sure everyone knew that was what I wanted anyway. I just wish all those other rabbits were English Angoras.
I am gearing up for a big class load this summer. I am trying to hurry up and graduate so James can graduate at his own pace. I should be close to graduation by spring. It all depends on financial aid.
I have been to see Mr. Miyagi once. I produced mediocre drawings indicative of the time spent on them and bought an igloo doghouse for his strays. I have not been back, but I try to "see" everything with an artistic eye. I want to be ready. I will not show up with crap again.
Also, I quit worrying so much about what I'm supposed to be doing. I enjoy James' company, help the kids, and care for the bunnies. Life is good. I have instructed God that if he has anything else in mind for me, he will have to roll out a red carpet for me to notice. I am confidant that he will do so. That is his way with me.

Green in Killeen

I went to the City of Killeen's Composting Class this week, mostly to receive the free composter.  I had originally signed up month's ago and was thrilled to receive my confirmation.  About 15 other residents and I sat through the 2 hour class focused on composting and "green" practices.  Expecting the dry lecture classes often become, I was pleasantly surprised by the information given by class instructor, Peter D.  Mr. D is the head of the Killeen's Recycling Center and is full of interesting information regarding composting and gardening.    I got great tips about everything from where in our area to get mulch to which tomato varieties grow best in our clay-bound, alkaline soil.  So at 8pm, I left the Avenue F facility with composter in hand and an unexpected surprise...master gardener, Bert Whitehead's book "___"(won in the door prize drawings).  I encourage everyone to attend this free class in Killeen.  Information is available on the City of Killeen website, under Residents/Recycling.  It was definitely worth the composter.