Toby is usually gentle with his toys. Geordie was the one who dealt with stress by destroying stuffed animals. At Christmas, Toby was so agitated by lack of exercise and being unable to poo that he destroyed his gifts as soon as he got them. (Then he went back to the tree looking for more.)
He was really upset when I had to finally take the tree down. I think he was hoping more gifts might appear.
(Sorry. Dopey mommy got tendonitis and is behind in her storytelling as a result.)
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Come see what my boys have been up to at the Museum of the Imagination as they view the world of art from a canine perspective and enjoy a day of unsupervised fun!
My boys are different enough that Toby would see playmates; Geordie would see prey.
Max is just a sweetheart.
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This heirloom quality handmade patchwork Hebrew Alphabet Picture Quilt is not just for babies. It would make a beautiful gift for any member of the family. For the little ones, the colorful illustrated blocks would introduce them to the alphabet of their ancestors. For adults, it could be a wall hanging used as a conversation piece in the house. For seniors, it could provide a connection to home that they may be missing if they if they are in a residential care facility. For a family member who has had a stroke, the alphabet and pictures could provide good exercise for their recovering brains.
No matter how much training we do, Toby frequently ends up wearing his dinner. I imagine his groomer is mystified at the myriad of things stuck to his head.
While waiting for an appointment with a neurologist, I may have accidentally stumbled onto what’s been wrong with my arms and hands. Mind you I have described these symptoms to half a dozen doctors yet no one brought this up as a possibility.
In the mornings, I wake up with what I refer to as “Barbie arms”. They are paralyzed – frozen in one position. I can’t move my hands or bend my arms. It makes things difficult because I need to use eye drops as soon as I wake, but I can’t pick them up. Also, trying to use the bathroom is quite challenging. Sometimes my arms and hands hurt badly, sometimes not as much. My arms are weak so that I can’t hold them up unless I concentrate it. Last year I had to buy an electric jar opener (not can opener) because I could not grip a lid.
Each doctor I’ve talked to has thought this to be MS, but of all my symptoms, I thought this one was a bad match because the pain and paralysis depended on what I was doing.
Finally my pain started localizing on my upper arms. Out of curiosity I looked up that part of the arm and learned that the ulnar nerve is located there. Compression of this nerve can cause cubital tunnel syndrome – a very common relative of carpal tunnel syndrome. So why did no doctor recognize it? I’ve told everyone to the point where I’m sure they are sick of the sound of my voice.
I found some stretching exercises online that are supposed to help with this syndrome. I know that the root of my problem is related to sleeping position, and I don’t know how to fix that, but maybe these exercises can give me some of my life back.
Yet another thing to be grateful for this Thanksgiving!
Hope all of our Bitey World friends had a nice Thanksgiving too (even if it wasn’t technically Thanksgiving in your country)!
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The holidays are coming! Don’t forget to pick up a copy of Dream Our World for all those you love. Not only will it be a gift of love and laughter, but you can say that you know the author. (Toby and I can sign the copy, if you’d like.)
The weather might might be mild this week, but it will soon be cold again. Protect yourself against chilly evenings and rising fuel costs with this colorful, handcrafted Bear Paw Quilt. Bear Paw Quilt is large enough for a full sized bed but could also be used on a twin or as a throw for the couch. The geometric designs and earthy colors make it a perfect gift for the man in your life.
It’s funny that even with a worker shortage, I can still find plenty of places willing to say “no” to me.
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Christmas is right around the corner! Make shopping for the men in you life easier by picking up hand knit merino wool sweaters for everyone on your list.
Yesterday was the first snow of the season. I took Toby outside to play, and we decided to build a snowman. As I rolled the snow across the ground, I picked up pee spot after pee spot after pee spot. When I was done, I had more pee than snow. Toby was thrilled and even kicked the dirty snow into my face. (Thanks, Toby.) It was one of the grossest experiences I’ve had.
After some of the pee melted off, we decided that the snowman looked like a despondent cat.
You didn’t like my pee snow? I don’t believe it.
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Looking for a gift this holiday season? Consider giving the gift of warmth with this hand quilted Bear Paw Quilt! Heating costs are projected to be 28% higher this winter, so a nice, cozy quilt could help keep utility bills down. Plus, what is more fun than snuggling up together with someone you love on a cold, blustery evening?
I went to the store the other day to find that the cost of a loaf of my bread has risen to $9.19. Needless to say, on top of everything else I have to prepare from scratch, I’m now baking my own bread as well.
Before you wax nostalgic about the tactile joys of kneading dough, I eat a rice-based diet. The less you handle it, the better. Baking bread with a non-glutinous grain is more of a series of science experiment than something you remember doing by your loving grandmother’s side.
If I could get Toby to do even part of the cooking, it would make life so much easier. Sadly, he just eats the ingredients.
Cook whatever you want, I’m taking a nap.
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If you’d like to see what else my boys have been up to, pick up a copy of Dream Our World. Inside the boys visit the museum of their dreams and enjoy a day of unsupervised fun.
Dream Our World would make a great holiday present for someone you love without breaking your budget. Order a copy for everyone on your list!
Last week I bought Toby a puzzle toy. When I got home I broke up a biscuit and hid the pieces for him. He was so thrilled to “hunt” for his treats that his tail wagged the whole time he played with it. Then he tried to pull it apart to see if he could find more food inside. (He reminded me of a kid at Christmas returning to the tree in case more presents had appeared.)
The next day I decided to hide his kibble diner in the puzzle. While he was willing to go along, I could tell that Toby wasn’t happy about having to work for his meal. It made me wonder what our coyote neighbors might think if they saw my spoiled boy.
Is there any sadder sight than a puppy with an empty dish?
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Looking to do your holiday shopping early? Then consider giving the gift of sweetness and joy with Dream Our World! Inside, my puppies visit the museum of their dreams and enjoy a day of unsupervised fun. The book is an adventure for children and adults alike.
To see more of what Bitey and Toby have been up to, pick up a copy of Dream Our World. Inside the boys visit the museum of their dreams and enjoy a day of unsupervised fun.
The Adventures of Bitey Dog 