Pressed Pugs

Listen to This!

Usually, in the car, I like to listen to NPR on the radio. I like to hear voices. But recently, I've shifted 180° and I only want to hear music - no talk, no news, no current events. Today, I've been listening to Barton Hollow by The Civil Wars. I like all the songs on the album!

Me Love Cookies

Aimee and Grandma, November 1973

Perhaps this explains my good eating habits!

I Support Marriage Equality

A few days ago at the dog park, I heard a man say to his friend, "We were so disappointed when gay marriage didn't pass the first time around in New York. We thought of moving to Massachusetts, but decided to wait. It looks like it may happen this time, but if it doesn't, I think we will move.... We just want to get married."

The New York State Assembly passed the Marriage Equality Act 80 to 63 earlier today. The next step is a vote in the New York State Senate. Please email your state senator to let them know you want them to support the bill. You can do this easily at the Human Rights Campaign website. Freedom to Marry also has an easy-to-use form to send email to your senator.

I hope for the man at the dog park, and all other same-sex couples who want to marry, that the New York State Senate passes the legislation.

Seen, Heard, Done

Last summer, I dealt with my urinary tract. This summer, it's everything else. I went to the allergist on Friday for the first set of scratch tests on my back. (I am still experiencing phantom itching.) Yesterday, a fasting blood test. I think the allergist wants to rule out any other conditions that might explain my symptoms. For various reasons, I didn't make it to the lab for my blood test until about 3:00. No fainting or even lightheadedness this time, but I must have had low blood sugar from not eating.

Since I was by the mall, I went to the post office and Target. I left my cart on the aisle to look at the clothes and unmentionables. I could hear a group of Target associates having way too much fun while stocking a new arrival of shoes. They were talking about which ones they might want to buy and laughing and presumably getting some work done. After a tour through the clothing department yielded nothing of interest, I returned to the aisle for my cart (filled only with Excedrin and 1% hydrocortizone cream) and started pushing it. Suddenly, crash, clang, boing, boing... and a quick cessation of the women's fun. It wasn't my cart at all, but a cart full of shelving components for the shoe department. How I missed the difference is beyond me. I apologized profusely, helped them retrieve the hooks and platforms, and then hurriedly went to another part of the store.

I heard a couple in the baby department talking as I passed it. "You aren't getting pregnant," the man said. Sounds familiar. "The closest thing you have to a boyfriend is gay." Not so much. "And I know because I'm him."

Message from the SPCA

In my email this morning, I received a special newsletter from the SPCA of Tompkins County with a message from the new Executive Director, Jim Bouderau.

As the new Executive Director, I have been increasingly surprised to learn that so many members of our community think we have ample funds to do our work. There seems to be a misconception that we receive government funding or that a few select organizations or families provide all the support we need. I can tell you, this is as far from the truth as a Chihuahua is from a Mastiff.

To give you an idea, in the first quarter of 2011, we have lost over $130,000 in grants and private funding during the same period in 2010. On top of this shortfall, cases such as the ones highlighted below add another layer of unexpected financial burden. On average, each of the 72 cats, whose stories I will share with you, cost on average $600 each to medically evaluate, treat, spay or neuter, feed and house, all before they are adopted. This represents a cost of over $42,000 for these three incidents alone! This burden, in addition to our lack of funding, puts our shelter in a critical, and honestly, frightening financial position. 

Please read on to learn of our successes and challenges with these cases, and while the numbers are staggering, so is the generousity of our community. I know that with your support we can overcome this. 

Jim Bouderau
SPCA of Tompkins County

I was so disheartened to learn of the loss of grant money. I would hate to see their good work compromised by a lack of funds. Can you help today?

Etsy Treasury: Red with Vegan

Thanks to the amazing, incomparable Roni of Daisy Wares for including my Red Bead Ceiling Fan Pull in her "Red with Vegan" treasury. Please visit the treasury by clicking here and show it some love!

Today's Doctor Who-ism

"Good men don't need rules. Today is not the day to find out why I have so many."

~Doctor Who