Farewell to our old friends, the sea monkeys, hello to our new friends, Fart Piet and Sinterklaas

For Christmas we got Lanie some Sea Monkeys. Seemed like a fun idea. The things hatched, lived, grew and then today, died! All we have now is a bunch of floating dead sea monkey bodies! Ugh. I think I fed them too much food. The stupid thing is that I actually thought these things were kind of cool. It was fun to watch them grow! Oh well.

So, on to Sinterklaas and "Fart" Piet. Our friends Robin and Ingrid over in Holland sent Lanie a package for the holidays that finally made it here today. In the package were a bunch of tasty treats, two little stuffed friends, a note from Zwarte Piet and Sinterklaas, and two little figurines of Sinterklaas and Zwart Piet as well. Well, when I told Lanie who they were, she said "Oh, Fart Piet?"


Sorry Holland - you are in for a stinky December 5 when Fart Piet comes back to town...

In the meantime, that explains what that smell was when I visited Spain all those years ago...

Ahh, the holidays

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
A new year, a new look for the BLOG

Well, the holidays have come and gone again this year. We had a wonderful time over the past few weeks celebrating with friends and family, though I think that the holidays should be extended over a three week period to be able to truly enjoy everything - it goes by way too fast!

We had family from Utica come up to celebrate Christmas this year (a few days before Christmas) for the first time. In years past, we have traveled to Utica instead, so this was a nice change. Christmas eve was spent with the gracious hosts Gary & Greg, where we were treated to a truly delicious traditional Polish holiday dinner. Ahh - and all meatless too! I can still taste it (my mouth is beginning to water!). Christmas day was very nice. We woke up and found that Santa had brought all kinds of gifts for Lanie (and a few for daddy and me too), and had a great time watching her open them all. Later in the afternoon, we traveled to Buffalo to spend the rest of the day and evening with Dad & Paula, Shawna, Garret and the kids. It gets a little wild and crazy at gift opening time there, but after that calmed down, all was well, and we had a wonderful (meatless!!!) lasagna. I was in meatless heaven this year! A few days after Christmas, we went to Shirley's to celebrate again, and watched Lanie open gifts that Santa had left for her there. Santa also left a mini-keg system for daddy, which made him very happy, and mommy was very happy that he left her a beautiful necklace and a super-fabulous Kate Spade handbag as well ;-)


Aunt Barb & Uncle Chris - if you read this - Lanie would like to thank you for her singing reindeer - I think it will take until next Christmas for me to get that song out of my head ;-) It is pretty cute though!

A few days later, Phil and Linda came for a visit as they have in past years. We really enjoyed having them here as we always do. The only bad part about them coming to visit is that they eventually (usually too soon) have to go home! Lanie is still asking if they are here when she gets up in the morning. She had the time of her life talking their ears off from the moment they arrived until the moment we brought them back to the airport. We were all sad to see them leave, but that just means that we get to start looking forward to seeing them again on our yearly pilgrimage to the Soo.

New Years Eve was a delight. It was so wonderful to have Dad & Paula come to Rochester again to spend much of the evening with us. I hope we can make a tradition out of it! We also had our friends Bill and Sarah come over, as well as our old pal Ricky, who I have not seen in some time since he now lives in Georgia. We all had a few drinks, great conversation, and very tasty crabcakes, eggplant parm, and some not-so-exciting fondue (I was a fondue first-timer, that may be my last time making it as well ;-) ). Lanie had fun convincing Poppa and Phil to get down on the floor and squish ants with her (we seem to have some of those little critters who wanted to come in from the cold...)


Just a New Year's aside - does anyone else out there think that Carson Daly looks just like a young Dick Clark? Hmmmmmmm......


I am certain that I have omitted, skipped, or forgotten many of the details of the whole holiday break, but all in all, it was wonderful to spend time with everyone. As Lanie would say, quoting the Wonder Pets, Christmas "isn't about getting gifts, its about being together and helping others". Well said, Lanie and the Wonder Pets!

Cheers!

Unix and his surgery

I am on hold with the vet right now, but it sounds like things went ok for him today. He had a growth removed and it is being sent off to pathology to be checked. He also had his tartar-laden little teeth cleaned, and an x-ray since he has had recurring UTI's for a few months now. Let's just hope that the lump was nothing more than some useless extra skin, and not cancer!!

The feeling from the vet though is not really great. He said that it is a hard lump, and that very often can mean cancer. I know that we have to wait for the pathology report, and that will take at least a week, possibly two. I don't have the same sad gut feeling that I did with Obie. I knew Obie had cancer, even though I of course hoped that he didn't. I truly don't have that gut feeling with Unix, but there is nothing more we can do for now but wait. Even if it is cancer, there is always the chance that it is something that is less bad than that terrible lymphoma that Obie had. Mom's cat Glory had Squamous Cell Sarcoma, a very deadly and fast moving cancer, and they found it early enough to get it all with surgery - and that was a number of years ago, so I will do all that I can to be positive.

Today is a big spending day in our house - on top of the vet bill which should be around $500, we had to replace the tires on the truck today since one apparently had a gaping hole in it!! Ahh life!

Who cares. As long as everyone is healthy, I will be happy.

Love to you all!

Think Nasty, think nasty

As Lanie has required us to endure countless hours of watching Frosty the Snowman videos, the image above makes me think of then the naughty magician who was the original owner of the magic hat. When thinking of how to get the "magic hat" back from Frosty and his entourage of kids, the magician says "think nasty! think nasty"

Well, apparently, the hooligan(s) who decided that our lawn deer needed to change position from where we had originally placed them must have also been thinking nasty...

I have to say though, Aubrey and I nearly peed our pants from the onslaught of laughter that we let out when we pulled in the driveway yesterday afternoon to see this site...

Ahhhhhh... the spirit of the holidays at its best... just a couple of deer, and a little afternoon delight...

Cheers!

Little girls love to party

We invited some of our friends over yesterday for dinner and brewing, and our kids had a wonderful time playing together. All of the kids are always so well behaved when they are together! I wanted to be sure to post some of the photos from the day for everyone to see. After most everyone left, Lanie and Ryan sat down to watch Monsters Inc. on tv. Jen and I were on the other couch chatting when I looked over and saw that Lanie was sitting straight up, completely passed out! It was an absolute riot! Anyhow, we had such a nice time seeing everyone again, and already can't wait until the next gathering!

Some more bad news on the kitty-front

Hi everyone -

It seems as though I am posting more bad news than good these days! Well, I just wanted to let you know that Unix will have to go in for surgery on December 27 to have a lump removed from his abdomen. After we lost Obie, I have been really careful to make myself aware of all the little lumps and bumps on each of our three remaining kitties, taking note of anything that did not seem right. This little thing is only about the size of a dime, so I really am not sure how I even found it, but I am glad that I did. This time, I took Unix to Dr. Balonek, the vet who owns/runs the clinic, since the last vet who treated Obie gave me some conflicting information about his cancer. Unix has also been fighting with a recurring UTI for a few months too, so while he is under, they will x-ray him as well. On top of all that, his teeth are apparently in real need of a cleaning, so he will have a very busy day that day. Dr. Balonek said it is most likely a harmless cyst, but also mentioned that with cats, it is always best to biopsy since they are much more likely than dogs to form malignant masses.

Though this is very stressful on us, especially since we just lost our friend Obie, we are trying to stay positive about this, and at least for the moment, we are going on faith that it is nothing more than some silly cyst or benign tumor.

Some more recent stuff

Howdy all - sorry I have not posted in a bit. I was minus a camera for some time due to my poor coordination and likely my carelessness when it came to being careful with the thing - loosly translated as I dropped it, and had not had a camera case for it yet (it was in a 'protective' bag when I dropped it - not really protective at all). Needless to say, the good folks at Nikon fixed it up (the lens was shot... honestly though, they said that the cpu was in need of replacement, so truth be told, I have no idea if I broke the thing, or if it was just faulty...)

Anyhow, after that little rant, here are some photos of the Loo - looking just as cute as ever in her new outfit, thanks to her cousin Cassie...

Please take a look at my student's artwork

http://www.westirondequoit.org/rogers/King/indexKing.htm

I just updated my school website to include some of my HS student work, and also some photos from my 4th grade "Art Students of the Month". This is an honor that the kids REALLY look forward to, and do their best to earn. I must say, I love, I truly love my 4th graders - they are hard working, honest, and just plain wonderful!!!


What amazes me most is that they PAY me to do what I do for a living!!! Holy crap!

Lanie on the loose for Halloween

Here are a few photos of Lanie and friends enjoying the Halloween Spirit. Today, she and I carved and painted pumpkins - well, I carved, she painted, and then she played in the pumpkin guts, which she had some great stories for as she was playing with it and squishing the guts through her fingers. She even took the liberty of painting her own face - with her hands! Aubrey got a little nervous about all of the mess, but alas, it was only pumpkin and tempera paint - all of which cleaned up quite easily.

Little Picasso is now resting up from all of her artistic activities. More to come soon.

Our friend and kitty, Obie, has left the room

I just wanted to let everyone know that Obie has passed away, or as my Late Pop-Pop would say, he "left the room". It was his time, and we knew we had no other option but to have the vet help Obie on his journey to the next place. We are so sad, and we miss our great friend...

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

I got to talk to Loren today

I got a message tonight from Loren's friend, Andrew, asking me to call her. She is again, as she often is, in the hospital battling another kidney infection. The difference this time is that she is a little closer to me - she is in New Jersey. I know that she says the hospital she is in is terrible, but after the Florida ones she has had to deal with, who knows! Can't be much worse than that, right?

Anyhow, I was just relieved to hear from her. It has been so long, and I miss her terribly. I hope to hear from her again soon, and much more often. Fucked up as she can be, she is still my little sister, and I love her so much. So, Loren, if you happen to be reading this - get off the can and call me!

Lazy Squirrel

Found this lazy character hanging out on my Adirondack Chair...

My 4th graders

So yesterday I put all of my 4th grade self portraits up as a display, but wanted passers-by to enjoy them as much as I enjoy looking at them, so in my classroom windows looking out was the best place I could think to display them. I didn't think that I could get them all in there, and in fact, some of my students still have to finish their work, so they are not all up (but most are).

The kids really seemed to love this project, and it was a somewhat low-key way to start the year. I just thought I would share these with you! I will put up a better photo when I get a chance - I just took this one with my cell phone yesterday!

Obie's Saturday night shindig

Well, I just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone for coming to the party last night for Obie. It meant the world to us to have you all here. Obie loves his new toys and all the catnip he received, and is happily sharing them with Unix, Ellie and Inga. I think he is still purring from all of the attention he received last night!

For those of you who are reading this and aren't sure what I am talking about - we deceided to have a party to celebrate Obie's life since he has this stupid cancer. It was a great reason to have a bunch of friends over, and just hang out for the evening. Everyone brought Obie a treat or a toy or both, and all in all everyone had fun.

"Hoochie Poochie Dance"

Today, after the Eagles sadly lost to the Packers, Lanie sat on her sit and spin toy, and very plainly said "I am doing a hoochie poochie dance." So, naturally, I asked her who taught her this particular dance. Her reply? "God told me to do a hoochie poochie dance!"

I think I am going to have to have a conversation with God about this...

Did I even mention that I got a job???

So much has been happening lately, I don't think I ever posted that I found a job! Well, I did. I am teaching art in one of the best districts in the state - grades 3, 4 and high school studio in art. I love it. It is a ton of work, but I do love it.

Erin & James got married!

Ok, I am terribly, TERRIBLY slow about keeping up with the blog. They were married on 8/25 at Bristol Harbor. We were too busy having way too much fun to take a whole ton of photos at the wedding. The day was beautiful - warm and windy, turning to hot, turning to rain, thunder and lightening, then a rainbow, a beautiful sunset, some shooting stars, and finally, fireworks!

We had a fabulous time, and are both so glad to have been a part of the day! We love Erin & James!!!

'Ello Guv-Nuh'

"The West Irondequoit Central School District hosted a special guest on Thursday, September 6. Governor Eliot Spitzer was in town to learn how schools are using the increased funding that the state has provided for education this year. The visit was part of a state-wide tour of schools that the governor is making this month. West Irondequoit was the only district he visited in Monroe County. "

Not too shabby!!! (This is where I teach...)

It's raining, it's pouring!

Just waiting for the old man to be snoring...

So, last night Cathie, the barn owner where Quinn lives called... he got kicked by another horse - and is very hurt. He can't walk, but luckily he doesn't have a fracture or a break anywhere, so that is positive. However, he is on stall rest for at least 8 months, which is going to break his spirit terribly. Lanie and I are going out to see him in a little bit. Poor horse...

Our oven has passed away.... yes, it is true. Though we won't be holding a proper funeral for it, we will be on the hunt for another oven... I suppose it was about time to get another one - we were just hoping this one would hold out just a LITTLE longer...

There must be some kind of virus in the house too, because I believe the exhaust fan in the upstairs bathroom is thinking seriously about going on disability soon. It coughs and sputters when you turn it on. Fan-tastic timing!!!

I am not writing this to try to get pity from anyone - I am just venting... seriously though, between Obie, Quinn, the oven and the exhaust (not to mention that we have had family members fall ill recently, as well as a close family friend who is seriously ill at the moment), it is hard to keep up with it all!!! Grrrrrrrrrrrrr...

Guess it is time to let go and let God! :-)