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.