New Cleaning Supplies

Just thought I'd share some fun cleaning/ organizational tools that I got for Christmas.  The color looks a little off on my computer, but it's a bright salmon pink.  More pink stuff...yay!!  All three things (gloves, brush/dustpan set, and tote) came from Big Lots.  I love them!  If anything can, these cute tools should make cleaning cages more fun or at least more effortless=)

Blogamation, Blinkies, and other Gadgets

This Christmas was unlike others at my house in that there was the noticeable absence of the latest, greatest new gadgets to the hit the market.  Gone are the days of Macbooks, Nintendos, and iPods/iPhones/iYouNameIts under the tree (at least for now).  Santa decided to simplify this year.  As a full-time student, the budget is tight.  Sure, the idea of playing with a Kindle Fire or an Xbox Kinect is appealing, but I'm glad these things aren't lying around now, vying for my already limited free time. 

I'm also glad that blogging is a free activity.  I love meeting people with similar interests and I like designing and redesigning my blog, all at no cost to me (other than time, of course).  I had grown tired of Facebook and Twitter, but I'm back on FB with the rabbitry and I love learning about the rabbit world from all of the knowledgeable people on there. 

I like having an interactive sort of blog, so I'm always looking for new blinkies or buttons to add to my sidebar.  I think animated graphics add visual interest to a blog as long as they're not too excessive (or maybe even if they are:)).  If you haven't played with it yet, Blogamation is a fun site.  The graphics on there are cute, creative, and easy to use.  I also like: HotBliggityBlog, ShabbyBlogs, TheCutestBlogontheBlock, DottyDotDot, and JellyPages.  Know of any fun design websites that aren't listed here?  I'd love to hear about them!

Christmas Blessings

Wishing you all a memorable Christmas filled with warm hugs from loved ones, lots of laughter, delicious home baked goodies, and the unconditional love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Have a very merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday Mr. Macy *<:o)

Baby picture - taken at 5 mos.  His one "poodle" ear finally stayed up :)

First grooming using shears instead of scissors

Recent picture with one of his many toys

Today is my sweet yorkipoo's birthday.  His mommy was a chocolate toy poodle and daddy was a yorkie.  I can't believe that William H. Macy is already 5 years old!  Named after the actor for no particular reason (he resembles him a little around the eyes;-)) other than I liked it (the name not necessarily the actor).  We call him "Mr. Macy" and he is, in my unbiased opinion, the BEST dog ever!!  He rarely barks (I think I've heard him bark twice), doesn't chew on furniture, and loves everyone - even the vet, lol.  He's just the sweetest, softest dog I've ever had.  His fur is like silky cotton.  Everyone that pets him loves his super soft fur.  



He's a natural therapy dog (as opposed to being a well trained one).  In preparing him to be a therapy dog, I tried to teach him commands.  While he is incredibly perceptive and learns things quickly, he does not do well with training by commands.  He's far too sensitive.  He just gets real close to me and acts like he's in trouble for something - as if he's ever in trouble - regardless of the soft, quiet tone of voice and treats that I use to teach him a command.  The people that certified him overlooked his lack of training because he was so naturally well suited to love on people.  I love watching how he adjusts to each resident at the nursing home.  He's normally a peppy, twirly kind of guy, but for those confined to a bed that are immobile for the most part, he very slowly and carefully crawls next to them and just lies there as long as they need him to.  Anyway, I guess I've probably gushed enough, but he really is the best buddy a girl could have! 

Dreamin' of a Pink Christmas

 'If I don't look at her, she'll forget this dumb idea' 

I found the pink tree and luxurious pink fabric at Hobby Lobby (love that store!), so I thought I would set up a Christmas photo shoot with Big Daddy.  When he's not crouching down in a tight little ball, he can be pretty photogenic. 

Probably my favorite

What a chubby little face

Overall, he did pretty good.  He was a little scared, but he eased into it.  At least he didn't pee on the fabric:)  Hot pink doesn't necessarily scream... boy bunny or Christmas, but I have always LOVED pink.  Plus, it's a nice contrast against his chocolate fur. 


There was only one big mishap.  The carpet under the fabric is not the right size for the grooming table, so it curls up over the edge of the table and the tree leans a bit.  The tree is also very lightweight (think it's Styrofoam covered in glitter).  Before he settled into the idea of getting his picture taken, he jumped around and bumped the tree, so of course it fell on him.  Which freaked him out even more.  Ugh...this is not going to go well.


But, it turned out okay.  Now, I just need to do the same with Hissy Fit.  Can't wait!:-/

The tree is crooked, but I like his profile against it 

 

Ummm, okay...guess we're done

New Home for Judge

I said good-bye to Judge, my sweet little chestnut agouti, before Thanksgiving.  It's hard to see him go, but I found a lovely pet home for him.  The mom has owned rabbits before and she had been looking for one for her 10-year-old daughter for a while.  Her daughter was ecstatic!  I understand that he is adjusting beautifully in his new home.  I'll miss him.

Many Thanks

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 1934

 As I sat sipping my coffee, eating cornbread:), and watching the Macy's parade this morning, I thought of the things that I'm thankful for... I'll graduate this May (more than a 4 year endeavor), my best friend's beautiful unexpected blessing (her daughter, Aliana Marie) arrived 8 months ago, my adorable Holland Lops, and the interesting places I get to go to show them.

Finally, I'm especially thankful for all the wonderful, helpful people I've met in the rabbit world.  Happy Thanksgiving Bloggers!  Hope you're spending the day in the company of loved ones and are resting in preparation for Black Friday.



Photo courtesy of:  http://ookaboo.com/o/pictures/picture/12688300/First_Mickey_Mouse_balloon_to_appear_in_

A Look Back

(Presentation) Broken English Angora

Beveren - beautiful blue eyes

Chocolate English Spot - lovely & lively

Harlequin

French Lop - 'More leg room please.'

I've been busy doubling up on my class assignments, so I haven't been blogging much lately.  I'm hoping to clear up my schedule for Thanksgiving week.

Anyway, I ran across these photos that I took at convention of some of the lovely rabbits that were there.  Forgive me if I get some of the breeds/colors wrong.

(Pres.) Choc. Otter Jersey Wooly -'Yeah, I know I'm beautiful.'

Chinchilla - love those lashes

Holland Lop - 'I'll have what she's having.'

Big Daddy

This is the junior buck I brought back with me from convention.  I was finally able to take some pictures!  He's pretty skittish; so getting him to sit still without looking around for an escape is not easy...forget about posing.  But these will have to do for now.

It was quite an effort to get him back home.  I've never flown with an animal before and the new airport security measures make it very unpleasant.  There are lots of TSA agents and scanners, for bodies and bags.  When I made the reservation, they told me that I could ask for a separate room if I thought the animal might try to escape when I took him out of the bag.  So I asked...what an ordeal!  I do appreciate the measures that are now taken to ensure our safety, but I didn't want my new little guy running wildly through the airport!  If I had just complied, I would have had to take him out of the carrier and carry him with me through the body scanner.  Since they make you suspend your hands above your head in the scanner, I'm not exactly sure how this would have worked.  Poor baby, he was even pretty freaked out when I took him out of his carrier in the quiet room they took me to.  But, we eventually got through security and made it home.


So, more about this chocolate tort boy... He comes from Schwandt's Diamond D in Wisconsin.  His name is Schwandt's 1s131 and I've decided to call him Big Daddy (from Cat on a Hot Tin Roof).  I just love his coloring.  He's nice and short and has a nice head, crown and ears.  It's been a little over a week now since we returned home from convention and he seems to be adjusting okay.  He tolerates body/head rubs without jumping now and I can hold him easier... it's a process.

Indiana State Fairgrounds

 Cute gift shop on the way to the West Pavillion

 West Pavillion - looks smaller than it actually was

I've been home for 2 days now and it still seems surreal that I was able to go to Indianapolis.  It was an amazing, overwhelming, whirlwind trip.  My mom went with me and she had to be back at work yesterday, so we were only able to go to the convention on Saturday and Sunday.  Indianapolis was really beautiful.  The fairgrounds were well kept and full of rich history.  I didn't know what to expect, but the people of Indiana were incredible.  In Texas, we pride ourselves on being hospitable.  Indiananians(sp?), or Hoosiers, were like the folks back home - maybe even friendlier.  I was talking with a woman at the grocery store about how high the prices were and she gave me her store card, not just to use, but to have for my trip.  She was so sweet and there were others like her that were just as friendly.  I had planned to post while in Indianapolis, but there was too much going on.  Through every hallway, there were more and more rabbits...and a few ducks, dogs, and guinea pigs.  I'll post more later, but I'm happy to say that I met my goals for the trip, didn't go over budget, and am the proud owner of a new buck and a doe.  I ended up flying home with my new little buck (Homeland security check was interesting, but more about that later).  I found someone to transport the doe I bought back to Texas.  So, I'll pick her up on Saturday - yay!  Overall there were a few disappointments along the way and many wonderful blessings.  I'll remember it always.

Loved the beautiful fall foliage! - Houston stays green all year long:-(

Lots of interesting old buildings tucked around every corner

Loved this old drugstore.  Dates back to 1849.  Wish it had been open.  So much nostalgia.

Enough sightseeing for now...back to the show across the street.

Texas Transport Needed

One of the drawbacks to flying is transporting the two rabbits I plan on getting there back home.  It costs $125 per rabbit to take them in cabin on the flight home plus buying airport approved carriers, which adds to the cost of purchasing them (already a bit of a splurge).  Is this pretty standard - it seems high?  Or do most people just drive to convention?  This may be too late, but does anyone know of someone from Texas (around Houston area?) going to convention that would be willing to transport two extra rabbits back with them?

Last Minute Change of Plans

Initially, this was going to be a very different sort of post.  The reality of driving 32 hours in a 3-day weekend was really beginning to sink in and last minute, inflated, flight costs would have put the trip well over budget.  I seriously considered calling it off.  Then Continental opened up some new nonstop flights for a great price...an answer to prayer.  What a blessing!  So, it's back on and I'm so excited!!!  Not only because it's my first ARBA convention, but because one of my very favorite things to do is to go to a convention...an expo...even a seminar.  Gather a large group of people together for a common purpose and I'm in!  Add sweet, fuzzy bunnies to the mix and it makes the whole event that much more appealing.  So, needless to say, my happiness meter is off the charts right now!!

Photo courtesy of:  http://ookaboo.com/o/pictures/picture/13388849/The_Floating_Indiana_formation

Cuddly Goodness

Such a sweet boy.  I love how he presses his head against the door of his cage when I walk in the room.  He seems to have such simple joys in life:


-putting his head halfway in his dish when I'm feeding him, not to eat, but to get an extra head rub


-hopping...sudden binky...quick stop/pivot ...repeat


-playing with full abandon, then collapsing in a bunny flop, exhausted


Rabbits have a quiet, subtle way of getting you to stop and enjoy the moment.  Love that about them.

Road Trip!

I didn't think I was going to make it to convention.  It's over a thousand miles from where I live.  It takes over 5 hours just to get out of Texas.  I imagine that for some, the trip is much further.  But, I'm just getting my feet wet in the rabbit world.  I had planned to go next year.  It's almost half the distance to Wichita.  But, things have changed.  I'm looking for a nice doe and buck to show and I hear that the convention is the place to find them.  In fact, I have seen some nice prospects online.  The drive is still daunting, but the anticipation of walking into the convention with rows and rows of beautiful rabbits from all over the country seems worth it. 

A sea of orange...

...in front of this beautiful old church.  I just love fall!  We finally get a reprieve from the blistering heat (at least intermittently).  I do remember a few Halloweens, as a kid, where my plastic costume mask was glued to my face with sweat.  But for the most part, the weather is starting to get nice and blustery.  Just happened upon this pumpkin patch after the show in Seguin on Saturday.  October is my absolutely favorite time of year.

Walk of Shame

If I never experience the roller coaster of euphoria (first time to show) and then embarassment (at placing dead LAST) it will be too soon.  OK, the euphoric part wasn't so bad.  Honestly, I didn't expect to do that well.  The person that sold Judge to me pointed out some of his faults and said that while he was show quality, he probably would make a better brood buck.  Out of 14 solid senior bucks, I was somewhat surprised, though, that he came in last.  I was hoping to be somewhere towards the lower middle.  Another beautiful buck was disqualified because of his toenails (it placed in the top 5 in the next show...go figure!).  As my butterflies got the better of me, I must admit that I just kept repeating to myself, "please don't DQ him, please don't DQ him."  After the DQ'd buck and another little buck, it was his turn to be placed.  OK, not great, but at least not last.  Unfortunately, this was a no comment card show, so I strained my ears to listen to a fairly quiet judge that mumbled quite a bit (just as the people began to cheer, or holler really, for another breed being judged close by).  I heard very little.  


My expectations were more realistic at the next show - the show that he came in last.  The judge put a coin behind him and some of the others next to him.  Hmmm, I thought, maybe this judge sees something that the other judge didn't.  He did, he saw more flaws!  So after he goes over all of the rabbits, he comes back to judge, Judge (at times like this, his name is confusing - I was studying the Old Testament book of Judges when I named him).  He lists all of his flaws including his poorly conditioned coat (which evidently every rabbit had except for the winning buck).  Heard him loud and clear...great...can I have the quieter, mumbling judge back?!  Then, he waits for about half an hour before going on.  Please just continue already!  It would have been easier, somehow, if he had gone on to list some of the flaws of the next worse bucks (misery loves company).  So, here's where I get to do the walk of shame.  With all eyes on me from a hushed crowd (seriously, the quietest moment of the whole show), I lifted my sweet little bunny out.  I gave him a "you're a winner in my book" squeeze and waited for the judging to commence.  

 

Think he's trying to escape the shame to come, LOL

The silver lining...I've learned a lot.  It was definitely an experience in humility.  Those are always hard at the time and maybe even for a while afterwards, but they usually bring unexpected blessings and strength of character later.  As for Judge, his show career has been a short-lived one.  I don't plan to use him as a brood buck either.  Granted, I have no experience in breeding rabbits.  But, IMO, while there are some faults in one rabbit you can try to overcome with the strengths of another and vice versa, I don't think he has enough good traits to warrant them being passed on.  That is, except for his sweet, but inquisitive nature (no points given there though(-: ) and the judge did throw him a bone with "he has good ears."  But then, it seems, that almost all of them had good ears.  Good ears and poor coats.  Back to the drawing board.  Life goes on.

Smells piney fresh

Recently switched from CareFRESH® Natural™ bedding to pine horse pellets.  Seems to work better to absorb liquid and odor and the pine reminds me of the fresh smell of a new house. Like Manna Pro, it would be nice if it came in smaller quantities though.  The 40 lb. bag is no fun to lift or to store! 

Fall SARBA Show

The SARBA show is in Seguin on Saturday.  According to the e-mail I received, Judge is entered in both shows.  Hmmm, didn't realize I was entering more than one.  Now that I look back at the show flyer, though, it does say Open & Youth Double All Breed Show.  Thought the double was referring to open and youth, but guess it means that there are two open shows?  It may be a longer day than I planned on.

Packing for the Show

1942 McCall Homemaking Cover

My first rabbit show (as a participant) is coming up this weekend, yay!  As I think about what I will need to pack for the show, I'm sure that I will forget quite a few items. 

Fuzzy Patch's Bunny Blog has had some great posts on "What goes to a show" and "My show box" that I'm finding immensely helpful in deciding what to take.  Some things I may have to just make do with and add as I go (i.e. rolling cart to transport everything).  I do have a grooming table though.     

This vintage photo of a very put-together woman packing her stylish suitcases made me laugh.  Whatever I end up taking, I'm pretty sure it won't look anything like this coordinated packing venture ;o) 

Bunny Photography 101

Subject isn't exactly centered in frame

Caught the cute cottony tail at least

Cleansing regimen waits for no one

Blurry foot...awesome :-/

 







 
I'm finding that taking good pictures of Judge is even more challenging that getting a good snapshot of my friends' toddlers or my dog, who is often described as a "wiggle-butt".    

My young bunny is a mover and a shaker, it seems.  Perhaps once he settles in more, it’ll get easier. Everything probably still seems new and worthy of exploration to him.  Here are some shots that didn't turn out exactly as planned.  Maybe I should try the 'sports mode', lol.

Trick question?

As I sit down to fill out my first ARBA show entry form, I notice that most of it is pretty self-explanatory.  Then I get to the question, "Do you desire ribbons, if applicable?"  Is this a trick question?  It seems pretty straight forward...simply check yes or no.  But then I wonder, is there something I'm missing?  Why wouldn't I want ribbons?  Will my answer illustrate that I don't have a clue what I'm doing?  This is probably a moot point anyway as a first-timer in the competitive Holland Lop category, but if I did win something, I think I would want the ribbon as proof ! 

Go Big or Go Home...

Again, I'm disappointed in Houston's rabbit supplies.  The Tractor Supply in Cleburne had a separate room devoted just to feed and they were fully stocked.  I found everything I needed in a few minutes including smaller bags of Manna Pro.  But, since I didn't have a lot of room left for the trip home, I decided to wait to get it.  Why didn't I just put it on the back of the truck?!

The seller had my little lop on Manna Pro - Pro formula and I wanted to try to keep him on it.  My local Tractor Supply only has 50 lb. bags and other feed stores don't seem to carry this brand.  I'm pretty sure that most of it would be expired by the time Judge gets around to eating it.  The closest stores that carry the 25 lb. bags are an hour away (and even that seems like too much food).  Guess I'll just have to do what the less-than-helpful manager at Tractor Supply recommended...and get more rabbits:o)

Amazon Fills the Bill

What a glorious day!  72 degrees and sunny.  The high is only supposed to get to 87 - no more triple digits!!  The perfect weather for bunny cage building.  Building may be overstating it a bit - assembling is more like it.  After unsuccessfully looking all over the big city of Houston for a simple rabbit cage for Judge, I finally found one...online.  Thank heavens for Amazon.  A little large, perhaps, for a little 3 pound dwarf rabbit, but he seems happy with the selection and the price was right at only $38 (no tax, no shipping, delivery in 2 days). 

~Unexpected Treasure~

Cleburne, Texas:  As long as I live, I don't think I will have heard of even half of all the towns in Texas.  Honestly, when I was planning a trip to Cleburne to attend a rabbit show, I didn't expect much.  Perhaps because Cleburne doesn't exactly sound like a happening kind of place.  But it was the first rabbit show of the season, so I was anxious to get there.  Anyway, I packed a lot of books and magazines and hoped for the best.


I must say that I was pleasantly surprised with this little town.  There was more to it than I thought there would be and I LOVED the hotel I stayed at.  While the shopping left a lot to be desired (no boutiques), I did love the fully stocked Tractor Supply (it's the little things, right?).  Beautiful murals popped up in unexpected places on well preserved old buildings.  And as a fan of live theater, the Plaza Theatre Company on Main was just perfect.  I peeked in at the set and immediately imagined myself getting swept away to "Treasure Island."  I didn't fit it in this time, preferring to lounge at the hotel, but the theater will be a must see on my next trip.  Yes, I am looking forward to my next visit to Cleburne.  Who knew?