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.