"I find myself incredibly fascinating and this blog bears witness to that simple fact. Friends, from far and wide, are often pestered to keep abreast of my life and opinions. I offer sincere greetings to guests who stumble here by accident too."
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Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Critter Companions
There are only two, simple goldfish in this little tank. It sits on my computer desk, and its residents take a keen interest in my blogging and email. They also seem very pleased whenever I change their water, so I do so every week.
I can't imagine us having no little pets in the apartment. Being responsible for something else builds character. Of course it'd be more of a commitment to take care of a dog, cat, or horse! However, I like the idea of knowing little lives are nearby. Taking care of fish or our hamster is rewarded with the entertainment of the creatures. They cost next to nothing to buy or keep. I often wonder why some people choose not to have their own animals. Even if space is tight, they come in all sizes. Even if one is frequently away, some require limited care. A house without a pet seems dead.
I can't imagine us having no little pets in the apartment. Being responsible for something else builds character. Of course it'd be more of a commitment to take care of a dog, cat, or horse! However, I like the idea of knowing little lives are nearby. Taking care of fish or our hamster is rewarded with the entertainment of the creatures. They cost next to nothing to buy or keep. I often wonder why some people choose not to have their own animals. Even if space is tight, they come in all sizes. Even if one is frequently away, some require limited care. A house without a pet seems dead.
Labels: pets
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Hot Dogs and Hamsters
We're continuing to make all the changes needed for summer. I don't mean getting out the camping gear as we eventually threw away the aging tent. I'm thinking of the adaptation needed closer to home. First, I was still wearing long-sleeved shirt during June but that has, at last, changed. Also, the extra blankets came off the bed a while back. Even meals are more prone to showcase local produce and other summer fare. Life, it seems, is being lived with the balcony doors open. It's obviously summer as Jay is keeping the hamster cool by wetting down the cloth that covers its cage. It's not entirely impossible living with a daytime temperature of (27C) 80F.
Of course, having to bear the heat is a matter of perception. It's pretty safe to assume around these parts the mercury will fall back to around 16C (60F) at night. Now, who are we kidding, that's not bad at all. And the hamster stays up all night to enjoy it.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Virtual 'Fish Sitting'
Please keep an eye on my goldfish for me. I'm sure the hamster will be fine for a week.
Today we're off to Los Angeles. It's nice not to have to rush to the airport early. We can leisurely hop aboard a SkyTrain to 22nd Station and take Bus #100 to the airport between 10:00 and 11:00 this morning. Our flight on Air Canada doesn't leave until 1:55 pm but it's a direct one. I'm glad we bought tickets a few months back as they were recently selling for twice as much as we paid on Expedia.
For the past few years, the beginning of May has generally included vacations. A year ago, we were also heading south to San Diego to hitch a ride on a coastal cruise heading back here. Then two years back, we went to New York City. It was three years ago when I went for a short break to meet up with high school buds who now live near Seattle. Unfortunately, I cannot quickly scan earlier than that as I didn't start blogging until September of 2003.
Labels: pets
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Ready, Set ...
I'm bored.I thought getting ready was going to be such a rush as I needed to finish up my course yesterday. Yet, packing is finished although we started from scratch this morning. There's really not too much needed for a mere six nights. These other things have already occurred as well:
My next entry tomorrow should be from the Super 8 in Manchester, NH. Although Vista is half installed on my notebook, I can still boot up in XP.I cleaned up around the house and washed the sheets. A few DVDs and have been copied and originals dropped back into the post. I went to sit in the hot tub but had to get out after ten minutes as the temperature is set a bit too hot. The fish have their ten day feeder and the hamster is stretched out in the tub with lots of food. I set the timers on the satellite PVR so we don't miss any favourites.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Newest Resident Rodent
They're low maintenance, cheap, and cute. An unfortunate thing about owning hamsters is their short lifespan. It seems like their 1000 days on the planet usually pass too quickly. We got another. Here's the newest one and he's the fifth. So, we can call him H5 if we cannot think of something more interesting.
Labels: pets
Friday, July 21, 2006
Remember, What?
Next Friday, I'll be giving the final exam to my summer class. Today, though, I'm free. What a great day to have off. It's only 6:43 but already quite warm.
The fish are staring through the plastic at me and expecting to be fed again. Actually, I always change their water on Fridays. Is it possible they can remember something for more than twelve seconds? Do you know, I'd never heard about that fishy concept until this year. I wondered why Ellen's animated character in Nemo was so flighty. Ah ha! Now it makes sense.
Today is also payday and the money was auto-deposited a bit after midnight. That should, most likely, lead to some sort of extravaganza. Perhaps, I buy a package of new underwear. Or I could find something on my computer that needs upgrading. I was considering buying a toy for the fish but they'd never remember.
The fish are staring through the plastic at me and expecting to be fed again. Actually, I always change their water on Fridays. Is it possible they can remember something for more than twelve seconds? Do you know, I'd never heard about that fishy concept until this year. I wondered why Ellen's animated character in Nemo was so flighty. Ah ha! Now it makes sense.
Today is also payday and the money was auto-deposited a bit after midnight. That should, most likely, lead to some sort of extravaganza. Perhaps, I buy a package of new underwear. Or I could find something on my computer that needs upgrading. I was considering buying a toy for the fish but they'd never remember.
Labels: pets
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Sailing into Home Port
The ship was in no hurry as it had paid to dock from 7:00am. We ate the last 'blow out breakfast' up in the Lido Restaurant. We were able to walk around the ship a bit before waiting until we were to disembark. We got out by 9:15 and walked right over to the terminus of the SkyTrain station with our bags. It was a typical 35 minute ride to this apartment building in New Westminster.
There were clothes for washing, food to be bought, and a dead hamster to bury. This is the second one which has expired during a vacation.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Enjoy Today
The present household rodent is getting old. I'm speaking of the one that lives in a wire cage. Little Buddy was given to us through mutual friends. His first owners were leaving the country and we were without a hamster at that point. We'd previously played host to three others.
Unfortunately hamsters' little lives burn out rather quickly. I've heard it said that their lifespan is about 1000 days. Only a thousand days from birth to death isn't much. It is as if they age before one's very eyes. Each hamster has exhibited different symptoms of old age. Before dying the first one had back legs that were paralyzed. One lost chunks of hair and developed sores.
This guy is simply getting frail. He's quite wobbly when trying to get around and isn't as interested in exploring his world. He also has less of an appetite. I'm not sure how many days he has left.
It's sad running through such a series of pets but it is a constant reminder of what life holds for us all in the end .... no matter what salary or standing. I'm not being morbid; just realistic. This morning we're all one step closer to death.
Unfortunately hamsters' little lives burn out rather quickly. I've heard it said that their lifespan is about 1000 days. Only a thousand days from birth to death isn't much. It is as if they age before one's very eyes. Each hamster has exhibited different symptoms of old age. Before dying the first one had back legs that were paralyzed. One lost chunks of hair and developed sores. This guy is simply getting frail. He's quite wobbly when trying to get around and isn't as interested in exploring his world. He also has less of an appetite. I'm not sure how many days he has left.
It's sad running through such a series of pets but it is a constant reminder of what life holds for us all in the end .... no matter what salary or standing. I'm not being morbid; just realistic. This morning we're all one step closer to death.
Labels: pets
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Just Hangin' Around
A few times a year, I include a picture of the household pet. This one was adopted back in November of 2004 so he's getting a little long in the tooth. Hamsters generally live between two and three years. I've heard some say their lifespan is 1,000 days.
I include an entry about him in the blog every once in a while for his original owners. Even though now down-under, they can see how he's doing. Obviously, he's still strong and quite greedy!
This little guy knows that fortitude means stick-to-it-tivness.
I include an entry about him in the blog every once in a while for his original owners. Even though now down-under, they can see how he's doing. Obviously, he's still strong and quite greedy!
This little guy knows that fortitude means stick-to-it-tivness.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
It's Like a Contest
MOST 'FAVORITED' - Members on Flickr can mark photos they've come across as favorites. This give easy access to them again which could be tricky considering there are millions of photos online. Each member can also see which of their shots has been most 'favorited' by others. These, of course, change over time. My picture of an Amsterdam canal has gathered the most votes on my list so far. (Click this photo to see it on Flickr.)
MOST VIEWED - Strangely, the list above doesn't seem to correlate to pictures most viewed by others. At present, my photos have been viewed over 2,500 times because I've got over 1000 pictures online. The images aren't equally viewed though. The hamster crowd has ensured that this one ranks as most viewed right now. This is probably because I dropped it into a Flickr group for hamster lovers. Groups can increase the number of views an image receives. (Just as above, you may see how this creature looks on the Flickr site by clicking the small image.)
Monday, October 31, 2005
I'm a Killer
I dutifully changed half the water twice a week. I had heard that goldfish are hearty; yet, I've already killed Sonny.There was a bit of slime on the edge of the tank. I did my research on the Internet. I knew that a little algae is healthy as it balances pH. I also knew that the best way to deal with it is with the edge of a credit card. In my wisdom though I half emptied the tank and scrubbed with a new kitchen sponge. Within hours Sonny was dead. By the time I realized there must have been some chemicals in the sponge Cher was also sick. She lay near the bottom of the tank breathing heavily.
I changed half the water again. By morning she was the same, so I did the same. As the tank is at my computer in the living room, I've had to endure the agony of watching hers. By afternoon, I pulled apart the whole tank, washed everything, and put Cher back in. She's still not better.
At the time of this writing I'm not sure whether I'll have two deaths on my hands and conscience. Goldfish can last five years but through my negligence, Sonny and Cher may end up having lived here only a month!
Labels: pets
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Trying Again
On trips which are a week or shorter, we always put the hamster in the bathtub. We leave plenty of food and water. In some ways that provides more freedom than keeping it cooped up in a small cage. With the slippery sloped sides of the tub there's no chance of escape.
A year ago at this time, we had headed off to Sri Lanka for a two-month holiday. That was back when we had H3. We arranged with some friends to come and check the tub. H3 was an old guy at the time and unfortunately passed away soon after we'd gone. We did not leave instructions for the caretakers and they were confronted with the unfortunate situation of getting rid of a poor, dead hamster. They had to call around and arrange for delivery to an animal shelter for cremation! We still feel sorry for the trouble we put them through. Our general habit is to bury in an untrod area at a park that's just across the river. Because the little creatures don't last too long, disposing of them becomes somewhat routine.
Now a year has passed and it's time to try again. This time as we're going to Europe for only three weeks it will be less of a burden. Embarrassed by the trouble we caused the friends last year, we have asked someone else to stop in a few times. I hope H4 makes it to our return at the end of the month!
A year ago at this time, we had headed off to Sri Lanka for a two-month holiday. That was back when we had H3. We arranged with some friends to come and check the tub. H3 was an old guy at the time and unfortunately passed away soon after we'd gone. We did not leave instructions for the caretakers and they were confronted with the unfortunate situation of getting rid of a poor, dead hamster. They had to call around and arrange for delivery to an animal shelter for cremation! We still feel sorry for the trouble we put them through. Our general habit is to bury in an untrod area at a park that's just across the river. Because the little creatures don't last too long, disposing of them becomes somewhat routine.
Now a year has passed and it's time to try again. This time as we're going to Europe for only three weeks it will be less of a burden. Embarrassed by the trouble we caused the friends last year, we have asked someone else to stop in a few times. I hope H4 makes it to our return at the end of the month!
Labels: pets
Monday, August 08, 2005
Of Mice 'or' Men?
Not long ago, I put this picture in 'My Daily Picture Parade' on Flickr. For the love of hamsters! The hamster clan quickly made it the most viewed. Okay, I will admit he is slightly more interesting to look at than the photo of a planter.In fact, the picture proved to be so popular, I had scout around for an older photo that featured such a creature.
Labels: Daily Picture Parade, Flickr, pets
Monday, May 23, 2005
Pic 01/04 - Old Dogs and New Tricks
A blog can be anything. The other week this blog acted as the journal of events for a trip to NYC. For the rest of this week, I'm going to try something different. Rather than highlighting what's currently going on, I shall include four personal photos from years past.
I often wonder about urban kids. Some probably do not have the facilities needed to have a dog. That is a real shame. I feel that every kid should have the responsibility of taking care of an animal. So let's start with a scanned photo of a dog. Sandy, named because of her color, was my childhood pet. I vaguely remember picking her out a litter as a pre-schooler. We got her at the Johnsons' farm on Sleeper Rd in Wendell, New Hampshire.
I once blogged a black and white picture of this animal and me.
I used my new scanner to copy this from a Kodachrome slide that must
be between 35 to 40 years old.
Today's topic must include this
Paul Simon song. Click the player.
I often wonder about urban kids. Some probably do not have the facilities needed to have a dog. That is a real shame. I feel that every kid should have the responsibility of taking care of an animal. So let's start with a scanned photo of a dog. Sandy, named because of her color, was my childhood pet. I vaguely remember picking her out a litter as a pre-schooler. We got her at the Johnsons' farm on Sleeper Rd in Wendell, New Hampshire.
I once blogged a black and white picture of this animal and me.
I used my new scanner to copy this from a Kodachrome slide that must
be between 35 to 40 years old.
Today's topic must include this
Paul Simon song. Click the player.
Labels: New Hampshire, pets, scanned
Saturday, May 21, 2005
The Resident Rodent
It is nice to have something which missed us when we were away. The hamster spent his time in the relative freedom of the bathtub. There was enough food and water for far more than eight days.
Still, this pet demands lots of attention. He's a real people-hamster and enjoys being petted like, shall we say ... ahem ... a cat.
See three previously-blogged photos of Lit'l Buddy (H4):
(11/18/04), (12/12/04), (02/19/05).
Still, this pet demands lots of attention. He's a real people-hamster and enjoys being petted like, shall we say ... ahem ... a cat.
See three previously-blogged photos of Lit'l Buddy (H4):
(11/18/04), (12/12/04), (02/19/05).
Labels: pets
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Lots of Dog Food Later
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Spoiling the Pet
Some hamsters live a charmed life.
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Full Cage
During our time away, only a few weeks after our departure, ... the hamster mentioned numerous times in this blog, died. We had convinced friends to look after him while we were away but had not given directions about what to do in case of its demise. We still feel sorry that we put them through such trouble! Hamster3 had made it past the 2-year mark and in hamster terms that's old age.
We held off looking for a replacement after arriving back. Maybe it wasn't fair to keep an animal when we so often take vacations. As they don't live too long, it can be sad it is to have to say goodbye so often. Still the empty cage was there. I found myself often glancing that way when walking into the room.
Then, through a stroke of good luck, we learned through friends, that there was a hamster needing adoption. Lit'l Buddy would need to find a home. Now, we've had more than four days of getting to know the new pet. He's already become a cherished part of the daily routine. Here's a photo:
We held off looking for a replacement after arriving back. Maybe it wasn't fair to keep an animal when we so often take vacations. As they don't live too long, it can be sad it is to have to say goodbye so often. Still the empty cage was there. I found myself often glancing that way when walking into the room.
Then, through a stroke of good luck, we learned through friends, that there was a hamster needing adoption. Lit'l Buddy would need to find a home. Now, we've had more than four days of getting to know the new pet. He's already become a cherished part of the daily routine. Here's a photo:
Labels: pets
Sunday, November 14, 2004
Hail, Gentlemen
Thanks for coming over last evening. Now, we feel officially welcomed home.
Thanks so much for bringing Lit'l Buddy (H4) too; we're getting to know our new, rodent friend. Finally, thanks for putting up with all with the pictures and video.
Thanks so much for bringing Lit'l Buddy (H4) too; we're getting to know our new, rodent friend. Finally, thanks for putting up with all with the pictures and video.
Sunday, August 22, 2004
Filling the Tub
H3 is getting a bit long in the tooth at over two years old.
He will be content to lead a quiet life during September and October. He has been the laziest hamster we've had, and will undoubtedly enjoy resting while we're away. He'll go in the bathtub with an enormous quantity of food, his wheel, and all this favourite items. Someone will be in periodically to water the plants and make sure H3 is not wanting for a thing.
The bathtub is about 20 times larger than his cage! Learn
more about H3 by searching this blog.
He will be content to lead a quiet life during September and October. He has been the laziest hamster we've had, and will undoubtedly enjoy resting while we're away. He'll go in the bathtub with an enormous quantity of food, his wheel, and all this favourite items. Someone will be in periodically to water the plants and make sure H3 is not wanting for a thing.
The bathtub is about 20 times larger than his cage! Learn
more about H3 by searching this blog.
Labels: pets
Monday, April 26, 2004
Neither Snow, nor Sleet, nor ... Poodles?
I'm proud of friend, Bret Wirta, for downloading new software and creating an email attachment from his video clip. Here's the tiny video of the family dog going absolutely postal after a mail delivery.
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
The Perfect Household Rodent
H3 is quite lazy but actually that helps to make him the perfect pet. He's too small to eat much. He's soft and furry, enjoys being petted, never makes a sound, and requires very little maintenance. (Previous picture entries: December 21, 2003 and September 13, 2003.)
I did notice tons of animals for sale in the newspaper's classified advertisements today. Imagine paying $800 for a dog when there are dozens in shelters looking for a home?
Many larger pets aren't really suited for apartment living. We also like being able to take a vacation at a moment's notice. H3 is fine for a week in the cage and if a longer solitary break is required, then can do quite well in the bathtub with a liberal supply of sustenance. Of course if it's a mere road trip then a hamster is quite compact. H2, the predecessor, came along on the camping trip to Newfoundland and back. That summer journey was seven weeks and 10,000 miles, but required just one pet-store stop. We needed to replace a leaky water bottle. Oh, and what's a vet bill?
I did notice tons of animals for sale in the newspaper's classified advertisements today. Imagine paying $800 for a dog when there are dozens in shelters looking for a home?
Many larger pets aren't really suited for apartment living. We also like being able to take a vacation at a moment's notice. H3 is fine for a week in the cage and if a longer solitary break is required, then can do quite well in the bathtub with a liberal supply of sustenance. Of course if it's a mere road trip then a hamster is quite compact. H2, the predecessor, came along on the camping trip to Newfoundland and back. That summer journey was seven weeks and 10,000 miles, but required just one pet-store stop. We needed to replace a leaky water bottle. Oh, and what's a vet bill?
Labels: pets
Sunday, December 21, 2003
Not a Creature Was Stirring? (2003)
H3 joins in the wonders of the holidays. (Oh no! This is
now just like a silly, photocopied Christmas newsletter!)
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
Good Ole' Route 1
Followed Route 1 rather than paying the toll to Kamloops. That route is more interesting and we enjoyed watching the forest turn to semi-desert. Slept in Sicamous. (The hamster ran on its wheel though.)
Labels: British Columbia, Okanagan, pets, road trip
Thursday, September 18, 2003
Here's a note received from Lori Preston. How very thoughful and nice of her to send it. Some people may not be able to answer an email, but Lori can go a step farther ...
Dennis,
I loved seeing your picture of you & sandy, it brought back school memories. Things seemed to be wonderful in your life, I'm so glad to hear that. You deserve it, you've brought many smiles to my face throughout the years. We see our school year friends so seldom and yet the memories of good times spent together are so vivid. Wishing you well.
Lori
Labels: New Hampshire, pets
Monday, September 15, 2003
My Doggie
This week's picture of H3, got me to thinking about past pets. This picture must've been taken about 38 years ago. The collie was named Sandy due to her color. I don't really even remember her as a small puppy. If there's enough space and time for attention, every kid should have a dog!
Labels: New Hampshire, pets
Saturday, September 13, 2003
Say, "Cheese."
Below is a picture of H3 that I took last night. He follows in the grand tradition of the previous pets: Hamster1 and Hamster2. They may have looked similar but each has had a unique, little personality. The previous one hated cheese but as you can see, H3 is a more traditional rodent.
Labels: pets
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