Original Cyn

www.abbyjourney.blogspot.com

2010-05-05T15:41:00.003-05:00

Abby Jonnes, my God-daughter, niece, and one of the sweetest people I have the pleasure of calling mine has inspired me to come back from hiatis, and start writing again. There seems to be a conflict between FACEBOOKING and BLOGGING. I just cannot get motivated to do both. That said, here we go again. Lots of updates to post and ideas floating around to share and get your comments.

Here is Abby's blog...check it out. You too may just get...INSPIRED. I was.

http://www.abbyjourney.blogspot.com/

Three AM

2010-01-03T02:50:00.001-06:00

It's nearly 3 in the morning of January 3. Can't sleep. So, I decided to update the blog. Strange how I cannot seem to devote time to both blog and FB. Have you noticed that, as well. So, I am on blogworld hiatis for a while. Need to get back, though...writing is great therapy. TTFN, gonna try and catch some ZZZZZZZ.

BIG VOTE

2009-11-04T15:14:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow, Wisconsin Senators will vote on SB208 - the "puppy mill" Bill.
At this writing, all but three senators have committed to YES votes.

Remember all those signatures on the petitions? They have been delivered, and the next step is Governor Doyle's signature into law.

I am proud to have been a part of this project. I am honored to have worked along side so many people who share in this non-partisan effort.

Thank you to Representative Jeff Smith who co-authored the bill along with Senator Pat Kreitlow.

And, to all those mama doggies in cages, basements, cold barns, drafty outdoor enclosures, who have given their lives producing puppies...your soft cries and whines are being heard.

NEVER, EVER buy a puppy or dog from a PET STORE.

That is how we will REALLY make and impact and close these things down.

Baby Boomers Greatest Hits

2009-11-04T15:12:00.001-06:00

Herman's Hermits -- Mrs.. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Walker.
Ringo Starr -- I Get By With a Little Help From Depends.
The Bee Gees -- How Can You Mend a Broken Hip.
Bobby Darin -- Splish, Splash, I Was Havin' a Flash.
Roberta Flack -- The First Time Ever I Forgot Your Face.
Johnny Nash -- I Can't See Clearly Now.
Paul Simon -- Fifty Ways to Lose Your Liver
The Commodores -- Once, Twice, Three Times to the Bathroom.
Procol Harem -- A Whiter Shade of Hair.
Leo Sayer -- You Make Me Feel Like Napping.
The Temptations -- Papa's Got a Kidney Stone.
Abba -- Denture Queen.
Tony Orlando -- Knock 3 Times On The Ceiling If You Hear Me Fall.
Helen Reddy -- I Am Woman, Hear Me Snore.
Leslie Gore -- It's My Procedure, and I'll Cry If I Want To.
And my favorite:Willie Nelson -- On the Commode Again

Public Hearing

2009-09-26T16:57:00.002-05:00

The Smith/Kreitlow "puppy mill" bill went to public hearing last week. Please click on the link on my blog to review the testimony, which was overwhelmingly FOR this legislation.

BRAVO to all who attended (we were out of town), and testified.

Our hard work and energy have paid off, and hopefully our legislators will do the right thing and get this bill to Governor Doyle's desk. And, HE WILL SIGN IT INTO LAW.

Yellowstone

2009-09-26T16:39:00.003-05:00

A week or so ago, Fred and I traveled to Minnesota, South Dakota and Wyoming with my sister Kim and Jerry for a family vacation. It was grand! 10 days away from work, and we went to Yellowstone National Park.

Bison: many. Bears: none we saw or heard. Elk: one. Pronghorns: lots. Old Faithful: kind of hokey. Canyons: amazing. Waterfalls: two, and incredible. Yellowstone Lake: seemed lifeless, and massive. Campground: intimate (being nice). Company: PRICELESS!!!

Peaceful Rest

2009-09-23T21:12:00.003-05:00

On Monday, we lost our dearest of friends, Tommy Lyberg, to heart disease.

Tommy was a gentle soul, a quiet man who was loved by all. I had the honor of knowing Tom for a little over 6 years, shortly after I moved here from the Stillwater. He was always a great sport. The picture is of Tom popping out of Lori's birthday cake, and I got him all dressed up like a male stripper, with tear-away clothes. He always complimented me, and made me feel great. Tom and I had many, many conversations about farm life, and we both knew how to hypnotize chickens, which made him my life-long friend.

My life will never seem the same without him. There is a void...a space that can never be filled.

Tommy, be with the Angels, you were one yourself.

25 Things...

2009-09-23T20:56:00.002-05:00

Twenty five things you may not know about me...

My favorite artist is Vincent VanGogh.
I am old enough to remember party-line phones when we lived in Withrow, Minnesota.
My favorite girls name is Valerie.
Math was my worst subject in school, and in my professional life have been a cost accounting specialist.
In 7th grade, I skipped school and got 7 hours of detention for doing so.
Abby, Danny, Steven and Michael are all my God-Children.
I saw Paul McCartney in concert at the Ames, Iowa University Stadium.
Washington, D.C. is probably my favorite place in the world (so far).
I watch Family Guy and King of the Hill with Fred.
I cannot remember what my REAL hair color is.
Public service and me are a great fit.
I once got really stinky on Sloe Gin and now it makes me sick to think of it.
John Candy is my secret heart-throb.
Navy blue is my favorite color, and I have more of that in my closet than any other.
I did not start to drink coffee until I was over 50.
I can remember 4 cent stamps as first class postage - at the Post Office in North St. Paul.
I ran away from home once with an empty suitcase.
Every place I have lived has been on or very near a body of water.
My first sailing experience, the boat tipped over and I had to swim to shore.
Yellow gold, not silver or platinum, please.
I'd love to run a restaurant.
My bed has always been called "the nest."
I once got bucked off our horse Dusty and was afraid to get back on because she used to bite us in the butt.
My middle name is Lee, but I wish the spelling was the "feminine" Leigh.
Sometimes, I have scary dreams about cows.

Two of my favorite people...

2009-09-09T22:12:00.000-05:00

My "sissy" Kim and my favorite daughter-in-law, Jessica. Blessings...

Summer Hair and Raybans

2009-09-09T22:08:00.000-05:00

I'm gonna miss summer, and sunglasses, and wearing white after Labor Day.

Java Loco

2009-09-09T22:03:00.003-05:00

I've found the perfect coffee. Wait, I am getting a little ahead of myself. The love affair with me and java is relatively new. It's been less than a year since I started a weekday morning ritual at my office in the corner of Chippewa Falls City Hall.

It started when I stopped at Holiday and brought two cups in for me and Paul. Then, I bought one of those little 4-cup coffee makers. I couldn't get enough. So, I purchased a 12-cupper. Then Paul expressed his passion for Starbucks Sumatra. I was hooked.

The fare of the day is now an organic mexican blend that I grind at home each day in concert with filtered water and a dash of Splenda (I know, don't say it) and a swig of flavored creamer.

Heaven, pure heaven. I AM Java Loco.

More summer fun...

2009-09-04T15:55:00.003-05:00

Sunrise at our favorite spot.

Brody.

Fred and his son, Joe.

Brodylicious.

Images from the Summer of 2009

2009-09-04T15:46:00.002-05:00

Scenes from a busy summer! Dad and Kim at her son Danny's wedding.

Fred on the beach.

The lake.

4th of July near the island.

Sunning Lilybelle.

Family Time

2009-09-04T15:42:00.002-05:00

Joe with his Dad and Mom on a lazy summer afternoon here at the lake.

Last week, son Joseph joined us for a few days from Nevada. He will begin his final year of college, graduating in 2010.

What was especially fun this visit is that Joe's mom, Terri and her friend Dar, from Menasha were also here!

It was great fun family time.

Important Health Message

2009-09-04T15:40:00.001-05:00

Important Women's Health Issue-please read, I care about you!!

* Do you have feelings of inadequacy?
* Do you suffer from shyness?
* Do you sometimes wish you were more assertive?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about Margaritas. Margaritas are the safe, natural way to feel better and more confident about yourself and your actions. Margaritas can help ease you out of your shyness and let you tell the world that you're ready and willing to do just about anything. You will notice the benefits of Margaritas almost immediately and with a regimen of regular doses you can overcome any obstacles that prevent you from living the life you want to live. Shyness and awkwardness will be a thing of the past and you will discover many talents you never knew you had. Stop hiding and start living, with Margaritas. Margaritas may not be right for everyone. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Margaritas. However, women who wouldn't mind nursing or becoming pregnant are encouraged to try it.

Side effects may include: - Dizziness -Nausea - Vomiting - Incarceration - Erotic lustfulness - Loss of motor control - Loss of clothing - Loss of money - Loss of virginity - Table dancing - Headache - Dehydration - Dry mouth - And a desire to sing Karaoke

WARNINGS:

* The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you are whispering when you are not.
* The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to tell your friends over and over again that you love them.
* The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to think you can sing.
* The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you can logically converse with members of the opposite sex without spitting.

Please share this with other women who may need Margaritas.

Just when we thought it was safe...

2009-08-18T21:57:00.002-05:00

Ok, I like football. Professional football. Probably because of that MN/WI things pounded into my head since I was a kid and the MN/WI family got together to watch the Packers/Vikings.

So...Brett Favre signed with the Vikings. I'm going to get a Vikings jersey, with No. 4. I can't help myself.

Do I dare wear it to Poo's on Sunday, game day.

Uhhhhhh, priceless.

Song of the Week

2009-08-17T21:21:00.001-05:00

Not for a moment...

2009-08-17T19:24:00.005-05:00

I've been following the Michael Vick ordeal, and just moments ago, watched his interview with Jim Brown from 60 Minutes, which aired last night.

First, I am VERY skeptical about interview shows. I tried to look beyond the obviously staged questions, and edited format. What I really tried to look at was Michael's body language, his demeanor, and mostly, how he reacted to the mere mention of the animals.

Do I think MV is sorry. Absolutely. Do I think he is sorry for what he did as it relates to the animals he tortured, beat, raped, electrocuted, hung, violated and drowned? Not for a minute.

I am equally as disgusted with Wayne Pacelle for his part in this entire deal. Not so many days ago, the HSUS called me soliciting funds. I have donated in the past, and heck, who wouldn't support the Humans Society, right? They have lots and lots of video's showing rescues, and fights for all kinds of animals. Righteous? Looks that way. So, when I asked the woman from HSUS on the other end of the telephone line what percentage of the MILLIONS of dollars they raise actually goes to helping support animal shelters, she tried to change the subject by telling me ALL THE great things they accomplish. Once again, I asked the question. Once again, the run around. Finally, she got angry with me and hung up on me.

The way I see it is this: Michael Vick HAD to get back into football. Roger Goodell said OK because he had to. $$$ Ka-ching!

The Eagles signed him because...well, to tell you the truth, I have no idea why. I like football, but I am at least savvy enough to understand it is always about the $$$. So, do you think the deal is that whomever signed MV knows the throngs of folks will watch so they can cheer when he gets sacked and release some of their anger and frustration over the deal? Then, the advertisers will surely buy time, knowing the curiosity will be there. It's really not that hard to figure out. I guess a person could go on and on.

Did the guy pay his debt to society? The court says so.

Is he sorry? I think MV is damned sorry for what he did. Sorry because he got caught, sorry because his career took a HUGE step backward, sorry he has to go through all this SHIT when he really wants to just get back to his old life...play football, be a celebrity, make tons of money, and live the high life. I think Michael Vick is plenty pissed off that he has to do all this other crap, but he's up for it, because he knows there will be a big reward, and that brings us back to $$$.

I really wanted to see it...in his eyes, a small glimmer of remorse for the dogs...but it just was not there...it was absent, and curiously, what really made him come alive was when the discussion turned to all the things he COULD do...he smiled, there was some joy...but it was about football, his career, making money...all about him. I saw nothing between the lines, and in his eyes that would have convinced yours truly of anything genuine.

I'm just saying...

Girlie Girl's Weekend IV

2009-07-29T16:38:00.000-05:00

Here's the lot of us! Front row: Yours truly, Tonya, Stacy, Kim, Lynn. Back row: Michael (our martini builder) Jessica, Anabelle, and Felisha (our other bartender at Scooters).

IV Girlie Girls Weekend

2009-07-29T16:18:00.002-05:00

This past weekend was the 4th annual girlie girls weekend here at Cyn's on the Lake. What a big time, as usual. Different every year.
Highlights....hmmmmm.....
Friday night cocktail hour(s) consisted of UV, lemonade and fresh limes. The fare was healthy - with some wonderful dips, spreads and yes, chocolate. Thank you to all who brought the great food and drink.
For some odd reason, I cannot remember it all, but we did have some fun at Bateman Tavern when I introduced all the girls to Lennie. When I got to Stacy, I introduced her as Stacy/Steve...(transition from girl to guy) and then the fun started, because Lennie just could not quite fathom a transsexual in Chippewa Falls!!! Trashy girl having her picture taken on a Harley. Karoake. No boating this year, bad weather. Saturday night, Toga-a-go-go with Fred chauffeuring us around, and our traditional stop at Eau Claire's answer to the Gay Nineties - Scooters! Michael, our bartender cooked up a couple of signature martini's, which were..."FANTASTIC"!!!
Back at Poo's there was dancin' and groovin' and singin' to the music...play that funky music, white boy! Thanks to Chuck the DJ, Tank, Becca and Jerrod, Jeannie and Jill and Ed. Birthday party for Tonya...way fun. And, it was Nynnie's official birthday, so we were all on a rock and roll.
A complete success and we can't wait for next year...it will be the official Karl Kendall day surprise, and the theme is white trash. Girlie-Girl's Weekend V. Yikes! I won't have to dig too deep in my closet, I can tell you that!
Thanks to Lynn, Kim, Stacy, Jessica, Katie, Tonya, Ann and everyone else who made is fun.

Wahhhh Wahhh!

2009-07-29T16:14:00.002-05:00

So...Mikey...nobody wants to play with you? Wahhhhhh, wahhhhhh. I was so pissed off at Roger Goodell for reinstating that lowlife Michael Vick. Then, after the angermeter got turned down a couple of degrees, I read today's headlines...Nobody wants the bastard, anyway. I hope it stays that way.

Can you even imagine? The boos from a crowd? Any company that wants to advertise on those games he plays? Endorsements? Uhhhhh, I don't think so.

Personally, I look at MV like I do OJ. Freaks. Guilty freaks. Mess with man's best friend, and eventually, you are gonna get bitten in the ass.

I'm just saying...

I'm Back

2009-07-29T16:13:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone...it's been a busy month and things have settled down so I am going to try an start posting to the blog again. Lot's of fun stuff on the horizon!

Cuddling Survivor's

2009-07-01T20:52:00.000-05:00

My friend Jodi's babies...all puppy mill survivor's.

2009-07-01T20:45:00.000-05:00

2009-07-01T20:43:00.000-05:00

Sweet little Olivia

2009-07-01T20:41:00.000-05:00

Song of the Week; Chantilly Lace

2009-07-01T19:55:00.000-05:00

Hey Bryan, Think of All the Great Food You Have Not Tried...

2009-07-01T19:26:00.003-05:00

...and it's good for you, too...

Amazing! A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... And YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.
A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.
Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.
A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.
Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.
Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.
Avocado's, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).
Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.
Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics. Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries.
Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.
Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

She's Got Rabies...

2009-07-01T17:42:00.002-05:00

1. When did 'Little Suzie' finally wake up?
(a) The movie's over, it's 2 o'clock
(b) The movie's over, it's 3 o'clock
(c) The movie's over, it's 4 o'clock

2. 'Rock Around The Clock' was used in what movie?
(a) Rebel Without A Cause
(b) Blackboard Jungle
(c) The Wild Ones

3. What's missing from a Rock & Roll standpoint?
Earth _____
(a) Angel
(b) Mother
(c) Worm

4. 'I found my thrill . . .' where?
(a) Kansas City
(b) Heartbreak Hotel
(c) Blueberry Hill

5. 'Please turn on your magic beam, _____ _____ bring me a dream,:
(a) Mr. Sandman
(b) Earth Angel
(c) Dream Lover

6. For which label did Elvis Presley first record?
(a) Motown
(b) RCA
(c) Sun

7. He asked, 'Why's everybody always pickin' on me?' Who was he?
(a) Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
(b) Charlie Brown
(c) Buster Brown

8. Bobby Darin's 'Mack The Knife,' the one with the knife, was named:
(a) MacHeath
(b) MacCloud
(c) MacNamara

9. Name the song with ''A-wop bop a-loo bop a-lop bam boom.'
(a) Good Golly, Miss Molly
(b) Be-Bop-A-Lula
(c) Tutti Fruitti

10. Who is generally given credit for originating the term 'Rock And Roll'?
(a) Dick Clark
(b) Wolfman Jack
(c) Alan Freed

11. In 1957, he left the music business to become a preacher:
(a) Little Richard
(b) Frankie Lymon
(c) Tony Orlando

12. Paul Anka's 'Puppy Love' is written to what star?
(a) Brenda Lee
(b) Connie Francis
(c) Annette Funicello

13. The Everly Brothers are . . ....
(a) Pete and Dick
(b) Don and Phil
(c) Bob and Bill

14. The Big Bopper's real name was:
(a) Jiles P. Richardson
(b) Roy Harold Scherer Jr.
(c) Marion Michael Morrison

15. In 1959, Berry Gordy, Jr., started a small record company called...
(a) Decca
(b) Cameo
(c ) Motown

16. Edd Brynes had a hit with 'Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb'. 'What TV show was he on?
(a) 77 Sunset Strip
(b) Hawaiian Eye
(c) Surfside Six

17. In 1960 Bobby Darin married:
(a) Carol Lynley
(b) Sandra Dee
(c) Natalie Wood

18. They were a one hit wonder with 'Book Of Love':
(a) The Penguins
(b) The Monotones
(c) The Moonglows

19. The Everly Brothers sang a song called 'Till I ________You.'
(a) Loved
(b) Kissed
(c) Met

20. Chuck Berry sang 'Oh, ______ _____, why can't you betrue?'
(a) Suzie Q
(b) Peggy Sue
(c) Maybelline

21. 'Wooly _______'
(a) Mammouth
(b) Bully
(c) Pully

22. 'I'm like a one-eyed cat....
(a) can't go into town no more
(b) sleepin' on a cold hard floor
(c) peepin' in a seafood store

23. 'Sometimes I wonder what I'm gonna do . . .'
(a) cause there ain't no answer for a life without
booze
(b) cause there ain't no cure for the summertime
blues
(c) cause my car's gassed up and I'm ready tocruise

24. 'They often call me Speedo, but my real name is . .....'
(a) Mr. Earl
(b) Jackie Pearl
(c) Milton Berle

25. 'You're my Fanny and nobody else's . .
(a) girl
(b) butt
(c) love

26. 'I want you to play with my . . . '
(a) heart
(b) dreams
(c) ding a ling

27. 'Be Bop A Lula . . ...'
(a) she's got the rabies
(b) she's my baby.
(c) she loves me, maybe

28. 'Fine Love, Fine Kissing ... . ...'
(a) right here
(b) fifty cents
(c) just for you

29. 'He wore black denim trousers and . . .....'
(a) a pink carnation
(b) pink leotards
(c) motorcycle boots

30. 'I got a gal named . . .'
(a) Jenny Zamboni
(b) Gerri Mahoney
(c) Boney Maroney

Dog Food

2009-06-26T14:27:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I was at Walmart buying a large bag of dog food for Mol, Brod and Lily and was in the checkout line when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog.

What did she think I had? An elephant?

I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, I was starting the Dog Food diet, again. I added that I probably shouldn't, because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.

I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pants pockets with kibble and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I had decided to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my story.)

Horrified, she asked if I had ended up in intensive care because the dog food had poisoned me. I told her no, I had stepped off a curb to sniff an Irish Setter's ass and a car hit us both.

I cannot shop at Walmart anymore.

PYT

2009-06-25T20:10:00.002-05:00

Last Sunday night, Fred and I joined our team at Poo's to play trivia. It's always fun, and on this specific night, Matt was DJ-ing. Now those of you who know Matt are aware he is a pretty cool guy. Even though he was a little off that night (rough weekend, buddy?), as usual, I am putting in requests for the coolest songs ever. At least, I think they are cool.

When I opened my computer this afternoon, there it was...

Michael Jackson - Dies at 50

I gotta tell you, I jumped a bit. For real. It was the oddest feeling.

The connection?

Among the songs I really wanted to hear, and Matt queued them up...

PYT. I love the song, and most of Michael's. I wrote on the note...could you please play anything by Prince, and will you play PYT by Mike Jackson.

He did, I enjoyed, and I am sad we have lost him.

Bill Update

2009-06-23T15:42:00.000-05:00

What's Happening with AB 250, the commercial dog breeder bill?
Dear Friends and Constituents,
I promised you regular updates on the status of AB 250 so please consider this the second of my briefings on the bill. Thank you for your interest in protecting Wisconsin dogs but if at any time you would like to be removed from this list, please let me know.
The latest development is the introduction of a companion bill, SB 208, by Senator Kreitlow. (I am number 2 on the bill.) It was introduced earlier this month and referred to the committee on Small Business, Emergency Preparedness, Technical Colleges, and Consumer Protection chaired by Senator Wirch. Here is the link that identifies all of the committee members. http://www.legis.state.wi.us/w3asp/commpages/IndividualCommittee.aspx?COMMITTEE=Small+Business%2c+Emergency+Preparedness%2c+Technical+Colleges%2c+and+Consumer+Protection&HOUSE=Senate
Senate Bill 208 is a duplicate of Assembly Bill 250 and some of you may be wondering why the decision was made to put two bills out there that are exactly alike. The reason is having a companion bill will likely help the legislation move more quickly. As I mentioned in my first update, AB 250 must go through the hearing process and receive a vote on the Assembly floor. Assuming it received enough support to pass the Assembly, the same steps would be repeated in the Senate.. Only then would it be available to be signed by the Governor. The introduction of SB 208 means that if the committee chairs choose to do so, they can hold a joint hearing and take testimony on the bill at the same time. I have seen this eliminate weeks or even months from the legislative timeline when applied to other bills.
Right now, there is no word on what the committee chairs plan to do next but of course I will keep you apprised of any developments. In the meantime, my door is always open to you. Please contact Connie in my office at 608/266-5830 or connie.schulze@legis.wi.gov if you have any questions or comments.
Sincerely, ALBERTA DARLING State Senator--8th District

This Will Take You Back Some...

2009-06-23T15:39:00.000-05:00

THE BASIC RULES FOR CLOTHESLINES: (if you don't know
what clotheslines are, better skip this)

1. You had to wash the clothes line before hanging any clothes
-walk the entire lengths of each line with a damp cloth around the
lines.

2. You had to hang the clothes in a certain order, and
always hang "whites" with "whites," and hang them first.

3. You never hung a shirt by the shoulders - always by
the tail!. What would the neighbors think?

4. Wash day on a Monday! . .. . Never hang clothes on the
weekend, or Sunday, for Heaven's sake!

5. Hang the sheets and towels on the outside lines so you
could hide your "unmentionables" in the middle (perverts &
busybodies, y'know!)

6. It didn't matter if it was sub zero weather . . ....
Clothes would "freeze-dry.."

7. Always gather the clothes pins when taking down dry
clothes! Pins left on the lines were "tacky!"

8. If you were efficient, you would line the clothes up so that
each item did not need two clothes pins, but shared one of the
clothes pins with the next washed item..

9. Clothes off of the line before dinner time, neatly
folded in the clothes basket, and ready to be ironed.

10. IRONED?! Well, that's a whole other subject!

THINK

2009-06-23T14:42:00.002-05:00

Ok, I have not posted lately, and if I have, it has been as little as possible about puppy mills, because, if you are a regular reader...well, you know.

Today, I just ask you to think.

The Amish and Mennonite millers and all the other TRASH that operate puppy mills here in Wisconsin have their dogs in cages, in barns or outside. My thermometer reads 97 degrees. Nice.

Just think.

There are some Representatives and also some Senators who have not signed on yet to support the puppy mill bill here in Wisconsin. Know who they are? Representative Scott Suder of Clark County is one of them. Perhaps he is not aware that HIS County has the highest concentration of puppy mills in the State of Wisconsin. Oh wait, I guess that is why he is not onboard. Last I heard, the Amish and Mennonite people don't even vote. Scott, what's up with this?

Here's a list of the Senators in Western Wisconsin who have not co-sponsored.

sen.harsdorf@legis.wisconsin.gov; sen.jauch@legis.wisconsin.gov; sen.vinehout@legis.wisconsin.gov;sen.decker@legis.wisconsin.gov

What would they do today with their own family pet?

Pop off an e-mail to them and not only ask them to sign on, but ask about their dog today, then think about 100's of dogs in cages, in barns, no cool water, no fans.

I'll post the names of the Representatives later. That list is much longer.
Please take a minute to let them know it is time to co-sponsor this self-funded Bill. SB-208

Caroll's Beauty Shoppe

2009-06-10T21:57:00.001-05:00

Summer Art Classes

2009-06-10T21:46:00.002-05:00

I am so excited. One week from today I begin to teach young minds about art. I have one student who is taking all 8 classes. Some others chose a few. It is what I do best, and all the little Picasso's get A+++ for anything they create.

We're doing watercolor, drawing, sculpture, masks and lots of other fun stuff. If you live local, and know any kids 7-13...let me know. There's still some openings.

Geesh...

2009-06-10T21:43:00.002-05:00

I forgot to write something about that darned cake. Well...I doubled the recipe, of course, just in case it turned out really well. I asked Fred if he wanted one, and he said NO...that stuff is poison.

I ate mine. It was rubbery, because I probably cooked it too long. I am NOT a good microwaver, or griller for that matter. However, it was pretty good... mean, how can a person f*** up chocolate?

Oh...that other one? Still missing. Must have been some...garden gnome...yeah, that's it, a garden gnome got it alright.

Damn!

2009-06-10T21:39:00.001-05:00

Omigosh...this is hilarious!

2009-06-10T21:03:00.002-05:00

Thanks to RJS for this really fun site. He knows how I feel about Mikey Vick...but if you click on the other mug shot link, you can find the mugs of hundreds of famous and almost famous people and their pictures taken in jail. Sheck out thast rebel, Bill Gates!
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/mugshots/mvick2008mug1.html

Lily on the Water

2009-06-02T19:34:00.000-05:00

Lilybelle, albeit a butt shot, on the boat. She's loving life!!!

Brody, Molly and Lily

2009-06-02T19:33:00.000-05:00

This is Lily's first time boating on Lake Wissota. I do have her on a lead, but as you can see, she and Molly love the helm space, while the Brodster smiles and watches the festivities.

Mmmmmm, next we see how it tastes...

2009-06-02T19:30:00.000-05:00

But....Before I Make That Chocolate Cake in the Mug...

2009-06-02T18:57:00.002-05:00

Craving Chocolate-Stay Tuned

2009-06-02T18:55:00.001-05:00

Ok, I am going to try this, and when it is done, take a picture of it, then eat it.

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg 3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT !

Legend Pete Seeger

2009-06-02T18:50:00.001-05:00

More Sage Advice???

2009-06-02T18:44:00.001-05:00

When life gives you lemons; squeeze it in someone's eye, then haul ass.

Song of the Week: Adam Lambert; Mad World

2009-06-01T21:01:00.000-05:00

Summer Art Classes

2009-06-01T20:25:00.002-05:00

This summer, beginning June 17th and running through August 12th, I will be offering art classes for children ages 7 through 13.
Class size is limited to 6 students, and I will offer lessons in color theory, perspective, drawing, watercolor, clay modeling and lots of other fun stuff!
At the end of the season - we will have a small reception and art show for all the children to display their creations.
Sign up for all or just one or two classes. Classes begin at 1:15 PM and end at 2:45 PM on Wednesday's. Fee per class is $15.00
For more information, or to get a brochure, contact me at 715.828.1791 or send an e-mail: cynthia.schmidt@yahoo.com

Hurry, as the classes are filling up quickly!

This is a really great idea!

2009-06-01T20:20:00.001-05:00

Thanks to my friend JS for sending me this...

Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents your Dr's. office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run across.

Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.

This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this:

It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar rapist won't stick around... After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there ...... This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.

Sage Advice

2009-06-01T20:09:00.000-05:00

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is
all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shoudn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never
blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19.. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up
to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an
answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words' In five years, will this
matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because ofanything you did or
didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab
ours back.

41.. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Song of the Week: Zombies

2009-05-13T17:23:00.000-05:00

15 Thoughts for the Day

2009-05-13T17:18:00.000-05:00

1. Aspire to be Barbie - the bitch has everything.

2. If the shoe fits - buy them in every color.

3. Take life with a pinch of salt... A wedge of lime, and a shot of tequila.

4. In need of a support group? - Cocktail hour with the girls!

5. Go on the 30 day diet. (I'm on it and so far I've lost 15 days).

6. When life gets you down - just put on your big girl panties and deal with it.

7. Let your greatest fear be that there is no PMS and this is just your personality.

8. I know I'm in my own little world, but it's ok. They know me here.

9. Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself.

10. Don't get your knickers in a knot; it solves nothing and makes you walk funny.

11. When life gives you lemons in 2009 - turn it into lemonade then mix it with vodka.

12 . Remember wherever there is a good looking, sweet, single or married man there is some woman tired of his bullshit!

13. Keep your chin up, only the first 40 years of parenthood are the hardest.

14. If it has tires or testicles it's gonna give you trouble.

15. By the time a woman realizes her mother was right, she has a daughter who thinks she's wrong.

Song of the Week: JET

2009-05-11T21:27:00.000-05:00

No offense to the poor guy...but this is HILARIOUS!

2009-05-11T20:36:00.002-05:00

A man became a sitting target for a snake, which bit his penis as sat on the toilet at his rural home.
"As soon as he sat down, he suddenly felt a knife-like pain and reacted instinctively by standing up. When he looked down, he saw the big snake."
The 51-year-old man was under medical care with minor injuries, a director at the hospital said.
"As soon as he has passed the risk of infection, he can go," the director, who declined to be named, said. "A snake's mouth isn't always clean."
Television images showed the black and yellow reptile, reportedly a species of rat snake, being uncoiled and plucked slowly from the toilet bowl.

That's me with Brody and Molly

2009-05-11T19:23:00.000-05:00

Mmmmmm, sun!

2009-05-11T19:18:00.000-05:00

Just being a Dog!

2009-05-11T19:17:00.000-05:00

Lily-Roo

2009-05-11T19:15:00.000-05:00

Got Coffee?

2009-05-11T18:46:00.000-05:00

http://www.cartoline.it/pics/_zoom_flash.htm?immagine=scherzi_150404_01.swf

This is kind of cute...click on the link! (If you love coffee!)

Milwaukee Magazine

2009-05-11T18:40:00.002-05:00

Someone from Milwaukee Magazine told me to remove the article I posted regarding puppy mills in Wisconsin, saying what I did by posting it was illegal. I have removed the article from my blog.

Lilybelle (Lily-Roo)

2009-05-10T16:36:00.001-05:00

Where the heck have I been, you ask? Well, here's a hint...we adopted a puppy mill rescue Jack Russell Terrier last Sunday and the week has been...a littl CRAZY! She's 8, and going to get spayed this week, and she does not like Fred (it's NOT him, it's the man thing...she must have been terribly abused). I will post more about her...and the antics and stories.

Stay tuned..

Sage Advice from Maya Angelou

2009-04-30T21:35:00.001-05:00

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
''I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
''I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
''I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life.''I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
''I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back..
''I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
''I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
''I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
''I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
''I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

More Dog Stuff :)

2009-04-30T15:39:00.000-05:00

Kaylee Renee

2009-04-29T21:49:00.005-05:00

My friend Jodi rescued a Yorkie from the Thorp Auction.

Here's a few pictures of her sweet little Kaylee Renee. She was VERY sick, but soon (after three more weeks on antibiotic), she should be just fine. If you can help by fostering or adopting a rescue dog, please let me know...I can make arrangements for transport to you, and as Jodi says, "Adopting a rescue is the most loving thing you can do. All they want is LOVE."

Another Dog Auction - HELP!!!

2009-04-29T20:58:00.004-05:00

There seems to be another auction in Missouri this coming weekend. Good that a mill is selling out, and at first blush, this place looks better than most.

Anyway, if you are interested in rescuing any of these dogs, please click on the link...there are some pictures, and there is a listing of all the dogs.

It's a bit heart-breaking, but hopefully they will be sold to rescue instead of back into the breeding cycle.

Please contact me if you are interested in getting one of these dogs, maybe someone I know can bid, win, and bring back to WI/MN. 715.828.1791 or cynthia.schmidt@yahoo.com
Here's the link...

http://www.swkennelauction.com/index_files/Auction5.htm

This is stinkin' cute...

2009-04-29T20:47:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to type in the word KISS. It'll melt your heart.

Click here: I Do Dog Tricks

Blonde Joke of the Day (I am currently kinda blonde)

2009-04-29T20:31:00.000-05:00

A blonde decides to try horseback riding, even though she has had no lessons, nor prior experience. She mounts the horse unassisted, and the horse immediately springs into motion. It gallops along at a steady and rhythmic pace, but the blonde begins to slide from the saddle.
In terror, she grabs for the horse's mane, but cannot seem to get a firm grip. She tries to throw her arms around the horse's neck, but she slides down the horse's side anyway. The horse gallops along, seemingly impervious to its slipping rider.
Finally, giving up her frail grip, theblonde attempts to leap away from the horse and throw herself to safety. Unfortunately, her foot has become entangled in the stirrup; she is now at the mercy of the horse's pounding hooves as her head is struck against the ground over and over.
As her head is battered against the ground, she is mere moments away from unconsciousness when to her great fortune..... Frank, the Wal-Mart greeter, sees her dilemma and unplugs the horse.

Vick, Schmick

2009-04-29T20:25:00.001-05:00

RS, you really crack me up...thanks for sending me this.

The owner of a minor league football team that offered Michael Vick a contract told a newspaper he didn’t know about the publicity stunt and would not have approved it.
“I’m a dog lover and I don’t want anything to do with (Vick),” Albany Firebirds owner Walter Robb told The Times Union for a story posted on its Web site Tuesday night.
Earlier in the day, the team an arena football 2 franchise, announced it had offered the 28-year-old quarterback a one-year contract at the league standard: $200 a week plus a $50 bonus for a win.
“That’s a joke,” Robb said. “Can you imagine him playing for $200 a week? I think (the offer) was a big mistake.”
The announcement was later pulled from the team’s Web site.
Firebirds general manager Garen Szablewski told The Times Union the team’s marketing department came up with the idea to make an offer to Vick.
“The process wasn’t thought through properly,” Szablewski said. “The right hand didn’t know what the left hand was doing.”
Vick played for the Atlanta Falcons for six seasons before being convicted of bankrolling an interstate dog fighting business.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has not said if he will lift Vick’s suspension after he completes a 23-month prison sentence. Vick goes from federal prison to home confinement next month.
The Firebirds’ contract offer also required Vick donate $100,000 to a local humane society.
A call to Vick’s agent when the announcement of an offer was made was not immediately returned.
Information from: The Times Union, www.timesunion.com

Stand By Me

2009-04-29T20:18:00.003-05:00

Thanks so much to my friend Toni. She sent me this link to one of the most inspiring video presentations I have seen. Enjoy!
http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2539741

We are the Champions!

2009-04-26T22:04:00.003-05:00

Ok, it's been a crazy week, not time to post, due to lots and lots of Puppy Mill work. And, it paid off. More on that another time.

Tonight, Fred, Shannon, Toni, yours truly and Tonya kicked booty again at Trivia! Our second week of coming back from third place to FIRST!!!

Way fun, and educational, actually. Well, to a point...but on a rainy, gloomy Sunday night, what's better than hanging with friends, learning a few things and participating in some trivia questions that were stumpers and winners.

Next week, Sunday at Poo's...7:00 PM..Be there! You can be home in time for bed...afterall, for most, it IS a school night.

Stacy & Keister

2009-04-20T19:37:00.003-05:00

For my faithful readers. Here's a little something I found just for you! And, Bryan, I understand you are widening your culinary horizons...ya think?

With the credit crunch kicking in, shoppers will be relieved to hear a cost-effective alternative to steak is now available for creating classic meat dishes.
The Testicle Cookbook: Cooking With Balls has been hailed as the world's first testicle recipe collection and includes testicle pizza, battered testicles and barbecued testicles with giblets.
And if counting the pennies isn't enough of a reason to indulge in the delicacy, testicles are also renowned for their libido-boosting properties.
Rich in testosterone, they are believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac in countries such as Serbia and China.
You simply start by peeling the skin off testicles and slicing them up into bite-size chunks.
Several different animals, including stallions, ostriches, bulls, pigs and turkeys, get the Erovic treatment.
"Wash testicles thoroughly for 30-45 minutes," begins the recipe for testicles pie.
"Once softened, mince them in a mincer."
A "very sharp knife" is needed for traditional style testicles, which get boiled, cut up and deep fried in hot oil.
Erovic, 45, may be self-taught in the art of testicle cuisine but his 20 years of "cooking with balls" make him a world authority in the field.
He said: "The tastiest testicles in my opinion probably come from bulls, stallions or ostriches, although other people have their own favourites.
"The best for aphrodisiac properties are sheep and stallion testicles.
"All testicles can be eaten - except human, of course."
Erovic also organises the World Testicle Cooking Championship, held annually in Serbia since 2004. It draws in chefs from Australia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Norway and Serbia. One metric tonne of testicles are prepared.
"When not cooking or eating testicles, or helping others to do so, (Erovic) now runs a company involved in the maintenance of medical and dental equipment," the book says.

Song of the Week: Stevie Wonder

2009-04-20T19:32:00.000-05:00

Isn't She Lovely?

2009-04-20T19:10:00.004-05:00

Saturday, Fred and I drove to Stillwater to attend the wedding of my nephew, Jacob Scott Jonnes. His beautiful bride, Hiedi Winter was just that, adorable and gorgeous.

Mother nature proved to be very sweet by providing the perfect weather. A tiny bit overcast, but a gentle breeze and temps in the 60's.

The wedding was at Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Stillwater, and a few of us went to the Harbor Bar right afterward for a couple of cocktails, then on to Oak Glen Country Club for the social hour, dinner and dance.

Jayson Kuckler and his family who live in Nevada were the only cousins not attending, so as usual, all the cousins hung out and had a blast. They are a very tightly knitted group, all 10 of them born within 10 years.

The food at the dinner was very, very nice and they served two wedding cakes...chocolate with buttercream filling and frosting and white cake with a raspberry filled buttercreamy middle. O-MYLANTA...very, very yummy!

We didn't stay for the dance part, but I have heard it was pretty fun, they had a live band, and Jessica has a couple of pictures on her Facebook that shows the groom rockin' out!

We went to condoworld and hot-tubbed it and went swimming in the pool. Very nice.

Everyone missed Gramma Marlene. It was a teary moment...my Mom would have been so proud, she and Jacob were very close.

My Dad, Grampa Jim looked GREAT and he loves his grandkids just as much as they adore him.

A splendid time was had by all! Congratulations, Hiedi and Jacob.

Weekend Festivities!

2009-04-20T19:05:00.003-05:00

I'm starting with the most recent, and working backwards.

Last night, Fred, yours truly, Kurt, Tonya and Shannon all competed as a team at Poo's Trivia Night! Damn, we were HOT. We missed a couple of key questions, but ultimately kicked booty by once again going with the strategy in the final question.

Highlights? One shining moment when we got the last 6-pointer question correct...Who was the First-First Lady to be received by the Pope at the Vatican? Drum roll please....Jackie Kennedy, of course!

It was soooooo fun, and although our regular DJ dude Matt didn't show up until later, Josh did a great job!

We won a $30.00 gift certificate for libations and food at Poo's. See you all next Sunday night at 7...the more, the merrier. It is sooooooo fun, and bring a team, show up and join one, or go solo.

Vick? ICK!!!

2009-04-15T22:14:00.002-05:00

Michael Vick shopping post-prison reality show (his dogs already have one)
Michael Vick is looking to play the reality game. (uhhhhhh, they are not his dogs anymore)
The incarcerated NFL star is talking to producers about launching an unscripted program. The proposed docu-series would follow Vick starting July 20, the day of his scheduled release from federal custody, and show him trying to “make amends for his past.” (amends? WTF)
Sources said producers even visited the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback in prison in the hope of signing him. As a result, there’s a few different parties calling around claiming to have his rights, which is confusing the industry playing field.
Vick is serving a 23-month sentence for dogfighting conspiracy. His attorneys did not return a call for comment, though they told a judge this month at a bankruptcy hearing that Vick has agreed to a “television documentary deal” that will pay him $600,000.
That amount is only the tip of what Vick is asking for, however. He wants a high dollar figure for his participation in the show, plus really needs the cash; he reportedly owes millions to creditors.
Another question is which network would be tempted by a Vick reality show. Insiders place bets on A&E and Spike TV as likely first stops. (Arts and Entertainment??? Geesh, what is WRONG with these people???)
“It sure won’t be on Animal Planet,” more than one source quipped.
The Vick reality marketplace appears to be larger than that of the other tabloid figure seeking a reality-show bailout: Nadya “Octomom” Suleman, who despite headlines suggesting otherwise has struggled to find a cable network willing to adopt her into their programming family (more on that shortly).
If Vick’s show finds a home, he wouldn’t be the first celebrity to get help with their legal fees from TV networks. Mark Burnett locked up Martha Stewart for a version of “The Apprentice” and her daytime talk show “Martha” before she was released from federal prison in 2005. There’s also been pre-prison countdown reality shows, including Lil Kim’s “Countdown to Lockdown” on BET in 2006 and T.I.’s “Road to Redemption” this year on MTV.
Vick’s incarceration already has inspired one series: National Geographic Channel’s new show “Dogtown” chronicles the attempted rehabilitation of Vick’s 22 pit bulls.
So, yes, Vick's dogs landed a reality series before he did.

Girlfriend T

2009-04-15T21:54:00.001-05:00

This is a little video of Miss T...one of the little doggies that was rescue transported this past weekend. Enjoy! She is a very happy girl! Dog Heaven, I might say...

Song of the Week: The Mountain Goats; Cotton

2009-04-15T21:48:00.001-05:00

Hmmmm, does anyone know the answer to this?

2009-04-15T21:32:00.002-05:00

So, tonight I met with old friends, and met some new friends for dinner at one of our local Mexican eateries. Nynnie, Shannon, myself and new friends Jen and Jessica (love the name Jessica-for obvious reasons).

Anywhoooooo...when it came time to settle up for our culinary delights, a not-to-be-mentioned party handed over a $20 bill as part of the check. By the way, I am not one of those folks that has a hissy over no separate checks. Everyone at our table was college educated women who can do simple mathematics, right? Well, I am the first to admit I barely made it through applied math in high school, but oddly, I ended up in a couple of jobs that actually require me to do some fancy 'rithmatic! That said, we could do our own math and figure out who owed what.

Ok, I am off the topic some...so...this particular $20 bill was was torn a bit, but I would say 2/3 of it was intact. The question is: Is this still legal tender for goods and services rendered? When is torn paper money not worth its face value? Can a person take a torn bill to the bank and get a fresh, new one?

Inquiring minds want to know. And, I suppose I could look it up on Wikepedia or Yahoo search, but this was more fun.

And, peanuts on the floor at Poo's is sort of entertaining...however, I cannot imagine the clean-up...Denise is an angel!

Trivia At Poo's

2009-04-13T16:34:00.002-05:00

Omigosh, this is about the funnest thing a person can do on a Sunday night!
Matt, the trivia master is hosting a weekly trivia contest at our favorite tavern on the hill, Poo's!

Here's the deal...form a team - ours was me, Fred and Tonya. Jake was his own one man team and there was a big group of people on another team, and then a few folks at the bar for yet another, and so on.

Matt puts out the questions - in the first round, you choose how many points you think you want to wager depending on the question categories. 1, 3, or 5 points. Your team has to choose the points after hearing the question, but here's the deal...you can only choose each score once. So, if the category is Music, and you have already wagered your 5 points and 3 points, the maximum you can win is 1 - even if the question is a no-brainer. Speaking that, I am getting waaaaay too involved with this description!

So, there is a halftime question deal and then on to the second half which the scores are 2, 4, and 6 points, and then a finale! Wager and take a chance to really rack up your points.

Prizes? YES! Music? YES! Fun on a Sunday night? Absolutely! You can be home before ten...after all, it IS a school night for most of us!

Check it out...and, the questions are tough, but not altogether impossible. I

Thank you family...

2009-04-13T16:05:00.003-05:00

This one is for my family...thanks for putting up with me...literally! I did not spend Easter holiday with you because I decided to do a dog rescue transport from Black River Falls to Minnesota. So, thanks...I would have loved to do the Easter dinner and chocolate bunnies and all the other great things everyone served.
My transport started out by driving from home here in Chippewa Falls east to Black River Falls where I met Bonnie and Michelle at the Hardee's. My cargo this time was two sweetheart sisters, Molly and Polly - Weimeranger pups about 6 months old. Then there were two American Staffordshire Terrier's - pit bulls to those who prefer that name - Chief and Noelle.

Noelle was a little stand-offish at first, but soon came around and delivered lots and lots of kisses. Chief was an absolute lover right from the start. So off we went on I-94 toward Eau Claire again and then on to Minnesota where we were to meet Jan, who would take them on to Kathy in St. Cloud area.

I have learned a new appreciation and love for pit bull terrier's. First, I think their name should forever be Staffordshire Terrier's - which sounds more regal and I gotta tell you, these two were just as adorable as any dog I have met. Sure, they were not without their quirks, I had them with me for a mere 3+ hours, and these two were simply a treat. Chief rode co-pilot all the way, and was very needy...almost like he wanted to just be on my lap the entire way. Noelle settled in nicely in the crate, which I think calmed her some and the two little babes got into a little trouble in the back of the Jeep, and then were sound asleep for the rest of the ride - snoring even!

So, this precious cargo was delivered ahead of schedule and was a joy! As usual, I fell a little in love with them all, and hope they end up in loving and tender homes, as they deserve.

I am sad to say I don't have a picture of sweet Chief - he was on the go so much in between the journey legs, and if you have never done this - you will learn that taking pictures takes up precious time and also a little skill to get them to stand still long enough to click away.

Happy Easter, Everyone!

2009-04-10T09:50:00.001-05:00

This one's for the Mom's

2009-04-10T09:08:00.002-05:00

I came across this and thought about my friend Brenda and also my mom. Brenda lost her mom some years ago, our family lost our mom in 2007. Maybe this would have been a nice post nearer to Mother's Day, but I think the message is really loving...so here goes...
After 17 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, 'I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.'
The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been alone for 20 years, but the demands of my work and my two boys had made it possible to visit her only occasionally.
That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie.'What's wrong, aren't you well,' she asked? My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news. 'I thought it would be pleasant to spend some time with you,' I responded. 'Just the two of us.' She thought about it for a moment, and then said, 'I would like that very much.'
That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last birthday on November 19th. She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's. 'I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed,' she said, as she got into that new white van. 'They can't wait to hear about our date'.
We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy.. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. 'It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,' she said. 'Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor,' I responded.
During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation- -nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other's life. We talked so much that we missed the movie.
As we arrived at her house later, she said, 'I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.' I agreed.
'How was your dinner date ?' asked my wife when I got home. 'Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,' I answered.
A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her.
Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: 'I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son.' At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: 'I LOVE YOU' and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till 'some other time.'

Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby..... somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother, 'normal' is history.

YES!!!!!

2009-04-08T19:50:00.004-05:00

MADISON (WKOW) -- A new piece of legislation introduced Wednesday could put an end to puppy mills in the state. It's call the Commercial Dog Breeders Licensure Bill and it's a bi-partisan plan to end the puppy mill problem in Wisconsin.
"I know first hand what is going on in our state because more and more irresponsible breeders are defecting to Wisconsin and taking advantage of our lax regulations," says State Democratic Representative Jeff Smith of Eau Claire.
Representative Smith hopes the introduction of this bill prevents disreputatable breeders and sellers from setting up shop in Wisconsin. He says this bill goes a long way to protect the dogs, responsible breeders and people who purchase dogs as pets.
"The dog breeder doesn't even want them to see the facility from where the puppy is coming from they are come to find out much down the road that the promises made about their puppy are not true and they're not able to do anything about it," says Smith.
This bill will require all dog breeders, pet stores, animal rescues and dog auctions that sell at least 25 dogs a year to be licensed by the state and maintain standards of care for the dogs.
Eilene Ribbens of the Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project says she worked with Representative Smith and the other sponsors and is pleased with the bill.
"I like the idea that they start at 25, we believe that anybody who is selling more than 25 dogs a year is running a business and as Wisconsin regulates businesses, those businesses should be regulated," said Eilene Ribbens.
If passed, an advisory commitee will establish the rules and regulations for the dog breeders and sellers and it will be enforced by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Please, please, please...contact your legislator and all WI legislators to co-sponsor this Bill.
When the time comes to PLEASE contact your Wisconsin State legislators TODAY! If you are in Rep. Smith's or Sen. Kreitlow's districts, THANK them for introducing this legislation. If you are not, respectfully ASK your representatives to Co-Sponsor LRB 2448/2, the Commercial Dog Breeders Licensure Bill! Don't know what to say? Please see our Contacting Your WI Legislators Page for Talking Points, tips on what to say, and a Sample Letter.

Animal Angels

2009-04-08T14:37:00.000-05:00

More Michael Vick in denial...

2009-04-06T18:40:00.003-05:00

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Michael Vick's plan to emerge from bankruptcy simply didn't add up.
The uncertainty surrounding the aging, suspended NFL star's return to pro football as well as vague book and film deals prompted a bankruptcy judge to reject Vick's Chapter 11 plan and order a new one.
This time, the judge wants a proposal based on the stark reality facing Vick: He has about $210,000 but owes $1 million in fees from the bankruptcy case and about $3.7 million in legal bills -- some $13,700 a day since he filed for Chapter 11 protection in July.
Vick also faces at least $200,000 in annual living expenses if he keeps two Virginia homes and three vehicles. His only guaranteed income is a $10-an-hour construction job that will be part of his probation when he is moved from federal prison to home confinement in May.
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Frank J. Santoro considered those obligations and other expenses and concluded Vick would need to earn $7.5 to $8 million a year to break even over the next three years.
"There is no evidence he will be able to make that kind of money," Santoro said Friday. (no shit).
Vick was the NFL's highest paid player after signing a 10-year, $140 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons. But Vick and the Falcons have parted ways, and it's unlikely he will be able to command anywhere near that kind of money if he is reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and signed by another team.(Roger Goodell...do you have any idea how much BAD press this is going to get..and more to the point, DO THE RIGHT THING!!!)
The average NFL salary last year was $1.85 million, according to the NFL Players Association. Vick's agent, Joel Segal, testified that he would try to negotiate a contract with a modest base salary and hefty incentives for playing time and starts. The minimum salary for a player with Vick's seven years of experience is $620,000.
Vick said he thought if he "did the right things," he could play 10-12 more years. (How about not playing 10-12 minutes you.....%$^&*(*&#@@). But the quarterback is already 28 -- the average age for an NFL quarterback -- and has exceeded the league's 3.2-year career average. As a running quarterback, he also takes more physical punishment and is more susceptible to injury than most. (Hmmmm, like maybe a dog?)
And there's no guarantee he will be reinstated. Vick testified that he could wind up in the fledgling United Football League. The four-team league begins its first season this fall.
Vick's lawyers said he has agreed to a television documentary deal that will pay him $600,000 -- half up front, the rest when the film is completed -- but Santoro held up the one-page proposal from an organization called Red Bird and questioned whether it could be considered a bona fide deal.(BOYCOTT any film made about Vick)
An accountant hired by Vick to help untangle his financial mess and advise him in future deals testified he thought Vick could obtain "bridge financing" that would allow him to collect the second $300,000 immediately and repay it when the film is complete, but again the judge seemed skeptical.
One of Vick's attorneys also alluded to people in "the literary arts" working on Vick's behalf, but he provided no details. (Kind of SMELLS like an OJ deal, huh?...when I find out who the publisher is...)
Santoro did not set a deadline for Vick to submit a new plan, but will be updated at a status hearing April 28. The judge suggested selling one or both of the two homes and the three cars Vick wants to keep. (ya think???)
Vick has a home in Hampton, which tax records show is worth about $748,000, and is building a $2 million home in Suffolk. He planned to sell the home he bought his mother and move her into the Hampton house, where he and his fiance and their two children also would live until the Suffolk home is ready.
The new house still needs about $300,000 worth of work and is expected to be completed by the end of the year, Vick said.(Hey Mikey, are you building a kennel in your new crib?)

Bastard....

Song of the Week; Sunshine Superman

2009-04-06T18:30:00.000-05:00

Michael Blumenthal...Smart Like Dump Truck

2009-04-03T14:21:00.003-05:00

"Vick's lawyer told a bankruptcy court today that Vick plans on working 40 hours a week in construction when he gets out of the pokey. (LOLOL, good luck pal...get a grip...do you have any idea how many people are out of work, and ahead of you in the get-a job line?)

“You will hear from Mr. Vick his future intentions, how he’s going to change the way he lives his life,” his lawyer, Michael Blumenthal, told U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Frank J. Santoro.

Vick is serving a 23-month sentence for bankrolling a dogfighting ring, and his bankruptcy plan is based on the goal of returning to a professional football career. He briefly left a federal prison in Kansas to attend the hearing. He’s scheduled to be released from custody in July, but could be sent to home confinement in late May. (Home? where does this joker live...last I heard his multi-million dollar crib was in foreclosure.)

Blumenthal said when Vick is released, he plans to work 40 hours a week for a construction company. (Again, who would hire this moron?...I wouldn't even give the guy a chance to clean up dog shit at a kennel...wait, he should not be allowed to even go within 5 feet of man's best friend.)

He did not disclose the wage or give any other details about the type of work that Vick will be performing.

I'm not sure I get it. Financially, I'd think the better option would be to spend as much time as possible training and getting back in NFL game shape. Granted, I don't know much about the construction industry, but I'm pretty sure NFL players still make much more money. Planning and preparing to resume the ol' NFL career seems to me to be a better long-term financial strategy. (Blumenthal...Vick's football career is OVER...get it pal...O-V-E-R. Buy a VOWEL...Find another player to represent. Lawyers...some sure live on fantasy island, me thinks.)

Maybe the construction gig is about public relations, though. (Ya think? Blumenthal...Smart like dump-truck.)Maybe this is something Vick has to do, or something his people want him to do, to give the impression that he can be a normal guy and is willing to work a nine-to-five just like anyone else.

Whatever the case, I hope it all works out for him. And I'll give him a call if I need someone to build a deck for me. (Blumenthal...you are a moron.)

Olivia; Every little girl needs to make calls...

2009-04-01T19:53:00.000-05:00

Three Little Cousins; Olivia, Lainey and Lauren

2009-04-01T19:49:00.000-05:00

Bride to Be Heidi and Miss Olivia

2009-04-01T19:48:00.000-05:00

Olivia

2009-04-01T19:45:00.000-05:00

Over??? I don't think so!

2009-04-01T18:14:00.002-05:00

Over? Any team that even LOOKS at Michael Vick has got to be NUTS...

Michael Vick has agreed to pay the Atlanta Falcons at least $6.5 million as part of his bankruptcy case, moving closer to cutting ties with a team that doesn’t want him back.
The settlement was reached ahead of Vick’s bankruptcy hearing in Virginia on Thursday. The suspended quarterback arrived in his home state Monday afternoon and was being held at Western Tidewater Regional Jail in Suffolk, Va.
The Falcons are trying to trade Vick, who is still barred from the NFL as he serves out a nearly two-year sentence for operating a gruesome dogfighting ring. If no deal is reached, Atlanta will likely cut its former star before the start of training camp.
“We were able to resolve our claim in a way that was acceptable to Michael and acceptable to us,” team president Rich McKay said. “It was just a good, old-fashioned negotiation.”
The Falcons settled their claim that Vick owed them nearly $21.2 million for bonuses he received before his guilty plea to federal dogfighting charges.
After an arbitrator sided with the team, the players union took the case to federal court. A U.S. district judge reduced the amount to $3.75 million, and the case remains on appeal.
“To resolve uncertainty over the amount of the Falcons’ claim, the parties have determined that the Falcons will receive an allowed general unsecured claim in the debtor’s bankruptcy case in the amount of $7.5 million,” said the court filing, which was entered last week. “If the district court’s ruling is ultimately affirmed on appeal, the amount of the Falcons’ claim will be reduced to $6.5 million.”
McKay said the settlement wouldn’t necessarily speed up any decision to trade or cut Vick, though the Falcons’ hierarchy—from owner Arthur Blank on down—has made it clear he will not play again for Atlanta.
Vick’s bankruptcy lawyers, Peter Ginsberg and Paul Campsen, did not return phone calls seeking comment.
The suspended NFL star was being held in a general population block at the Suffolk jail but had limited contact with other inmates, said Lt. Tanya Scott, the facility’s spokeswoman. She said one of Vick’s attorneys met with him Tuesday, but he’d had no other visitors.
A bankruptcy judge in Newport News ordered Vick to testify in person at his hearing. He was required to pay the costs of his transfer from the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan., where he’s been serving a 23-month sentence for his role in the dogfighting operation.
Vick has been approved for transfer to home confinement no sooner than May 21, about two months before his scheduled release from federal custody. After that, he hopes to resume his NFL career. [WTF?????]
It won’t be in Atlanta. [Or anywhere else, I hope]
“We’ve stated our position pretty clearly on that,” McKay said.
The Falcons are Vick’s largest unsecured creditor. They would receive a prorated share of any future earnings he makes, but only after his secured creditors—such as banks and mortgage companies—are paid. Any money the team receives from Vick would be taken off their salary cap, though this is the final season they will take a significant hit, about $7 million.
“This helps to clarify what were a lot of pending legal issues,” McKay said.
Vick was once the NFL’s highest-paid player, agreeing to a $130 million, 10-year deal with the Falcons in December 2004. After he went to prison, the team filed a claim to recover bonuses he had earned from 2004 through 2007.
A court-appointed expert said the team should be repaid for roster bonuses Vick received, but U.S. District Judge David Doty ruled the team could only recover the signing bonuses, significantly reducing the amount.
The team has appealed to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. A ruling is expected in June, but it will merely set the final amount that Vick must pay the Falcons—$6.5 million or $7.5 million—while also establishing precedence for future cases.
With that issue resolved, Atlanta can move toward ridding itself of Vick. For now, the Falcons will continue to pursue trade talks, but no team has publicly expressed interest in the first NFL quarterback to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season.
Vick hopes to resume his pro football career, with a large portion of his earnings set aside to resolve his bankruptcy case. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has said he will review quarterback’s indefinite suspension after he is released from prison.
Even if another team is willing to sign Vick, he will surely take a huge pay cut from his previous deal. He was due to receive a base salary of $9 million and a bonus of $6.43 million from the Falcons in 2009. The remainder of his Atlanta contract was worth at least $45.11 million.
While Vick is still technically part of the team, the Falcons moved on a year ago when they drafted Matt Ryan with the No. 3 overall pick. He had a stellar debut season, leading Atlanta to an 11-5 record and an unexpected spot in the playoffs while earning The Associated Press offensive rookie of the year award.
Everyone in the organization looks forward to dealing with no more questions about Vick.
“I’m pretty much sure it’s behind us now,” running back Michael Turner said. “It’s over.”

A For Sure Smile

2009-03-31T17:38:00.001-05:00

Thanks to RS!

IKEA

2009-03-30T19:07:00.002-05:00

Last week's IKEA bargains (I love this store):

100% cotton dish towels - 49 cents each
rectagular plastic container, large, with an insert to keep veggies fresh
20 wedding shower gifts
3 additional IKEA big blue tote bags (these are da bomb)

Things you learn if you are the Mom of boys...

2009-03-30T18:48:00.002-05:00

A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq ft. house 4 inches deep.
If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite.
A 3-year old boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.
If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42 pound Boy wearing Batman underwear and a Superman cape. It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20 x 20 ft. room.
You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. When using a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.
The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.
When you hear the toilet flush and the words 'uh oh', it's already too late.
Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.
A six-year old Boy can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36- year old Man says they can only do it in the movies.
Certain Lego's will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-year old Boy.
Play dough and microwave should not be used in the same sentence.
Super glue is forever.
No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool you still can't walk on water.
Pool filters do not like Jell-O.
VCR's do not eject 'PB & J' sandwiches even though TV commercials show they do.
Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.
Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.
You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is.
Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toys do not like ovens.
The fire department in Austin, TX has a 5-minute response time.
The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy.
It will, however, make cats dizzy.
Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.
80% of Men who read this will try mixing the Clorox and brake fluid.

Nightline

2009-03-30T14:34:00.004-05:00

Last Friday, March 28th, Nightline's middle story was on the Puppy Mill topic.

I don't know if you tuned in to see it, but in my humble opinion, the producer's at ABC should be ashamed of themselves for the
"namby-pamby" way they approached and presented the topic.

Sure, I know some of these puppy mill images can be tragic and brutal. But, this program aired at 10:30 PM. The kiddies are in bed by then. And, Friday night? Gosh, I hardly watch Nightline at all, let alone on date night. Plus, puppy mills ARE tragic and brutal.

More on this later, but I will leave you with my very strong opinion on this...
Rather than show the little doggie running in place inside some kind of oversized gerbil exercise thingie...show the truth: The Golden Retriever mama, whose belly was scarred and butchered by an Amish dog breeder in PA (300+ dogs) who performed a C-Section on this poor girl without the aid of anesthesia, and then stitched her tummy up with twine. THAT'S the real story. Too tough to visualize, let alone actually see it on TV? Think about the dog.

Yours truly wonders how ABC could possibly think humane and puppy mill could be used in the same sentance.

I'm just saying...

A post script...I am not angry about the story. Thanks to ABC for attempting to shed some light on this issue. Just...they could have made a bigger impact by putting a little more thought into it.

I'm back with Buzz-Words

2009-03-30T14:22:00.002-05:00

Wow, it's been a while since I have posted to this wonderful world of blogging. And, to further complicate the matter, I have sort of fallen into the Facebook deal, which as you know also requires...or could require a fair amount of posting, reading and playing around! So, I guess keep posted to both forums for news, information, humor, opinions, forces, ideas, causes and in general...self-indulgent play!

So, this past week I was thinking about buzz-words. You know all about them...words that are trendy and are most often spewed out by news-reporters and other journalistic types regarding issues and events. Most of them don't hang around for very long. Many of them get over-used and seem trite and silly, which also makes the speaker appear the same.

Two most recent buzz-words that sort of piss me off are "vetted" and "toxic assets". Oh, I forgot to mention, some of these buzz deals are phrases, as if a word alone wasn't enough!

So, vetted...which mainly and commonly refers to tending to a horse's well-being has now entered into the mainstream media as some kind of maintenance of a particular issue or thing. Yikes!

And toxic assets? Why in the hell don't we just call a spade a spade? It's all the money that banks have on their books from people who don't pay their monthly loan installments.

One thing I know for sure...Bullshit will always be bullshit...nothing buzzy about it, and furthermore...bullshit holds up just like another very cool word...COOL.

Song of the Week: McCartney; Blackbird

2009-03-19T19:50:00.001-05:00

Ahhhhhhhhh, soothing, masterful, classic.

Taking a day off.

2009-03-19T19:41:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is Friday. I am going in to work for a couple of hours. Then...I am taking the day off! My friend Nynnie is picking me up at work and we are going to "the cities"!!! IKEA - perhaps one of the most wonderful stores on the planet, and lunch, and more bumming around, shopping and maybe a cocktail or two later.

It's been a couple of really stressful weeks, and although I am still fighting to good fight...it's time to just put some things on the back burner - so to speak.

Oh, that stand-by Serenity Prayer??? Works every time. I would highly recommend.

First Hand Account...

2009-03-17T17:02:00.008-05:00

This is a letter written by Jodi Hunter, who attended the dog auction a week ago. This is her first-hand account of the experience...

"I wanted to tell you a little about my experience at the Thorp Dog Auction on 3/11/2009. Here are 2 pictures of an example of a mama Jack Russell with oozing feet from living her entire life on chicken wire and filth, and horribly swollen mammary glands.

This is from an auction who supposedly "cleaned their act up" and were only accepting puppies to 3 year-old dogs; although there were older dogs for sale. What happened to the older dogs, we are afraid to ask.

We met a woman at the beginning of the auction, but didn't understand what she was doing there. Afterwards, when the auction was over, all the dogs were gone, except 3. Someone bid on and won these three dogs, but didn't pick them up (probably the dog's owner who bid to get it started but no one else bid, so he just left the dogs behind). An Amish/Mennonite man asked us if we wanted the abandoned dogs, and if so, we better "take them now or they're going out back." We were later told this meant they were going to be killed and used for fertilizer or thrown live into the dumpster. This is why the woman I mentioned earlier was there so late in the day... to dig them out of the dumpster if need be.

I feel like I stepped into another world and now that I am back home, I will never be the same. When you are at the Thorp Auction, you can't let it get to you. I don't know how, but I did it. Saturday I came crashing down.

When you first walk into the auction building, the smell hits you. To the right there is a row of hay piled to the ceiling and behind it are the dogs, you hear their crying before you actually see them. There is a catalog with a cute puppy on the front with all the dogs listed and descriptive phrases like "good producer"..."heavily bred"..."proven." (Attached to the catalog is a letter from the American Pet Registry in Arkansas telling the breeders how they can keep people out of their mills and who they absolutely have to let in. They tell them not to allow any cameras or filming and never talk to anyone from the press. Why, if they are not hiding anything.)

You walk buy the stacks of cages with dogs and puppies inside. The dogs and puppies don't even come to the front of the cages. They huddle on top of each other, scared to death. TheAmish/Mennonite men bring the dogs/puppies to the table to be auctioned off, stand them on their hind legs so you can see their belly, turn them around and lift their tail and spread their legs apart. It's hard to see who bids, but you certainly can tell who is a breeder and who isn't; mostly Amish and Mennonite. I absolutely cannot explain the feeling. I just know I cannot believe this activity is allowed to go on.

The dogs that didn't get rescued are going back to a life of confinement and hell, not as a farm animal like a cow or pig, they have fields and pastures to run in. The dogs that were sold to back-yard breeders and other Amish/Mennonite dog breeders return to the abuse, neglect and sorrowful life they came from. Some are bought by people who rescue them.

I rescued a little Yorkie. She wouldn't look out of her tiny little box, just kept her face to the back. When I saw an Amish/Mennonite man was bidding on her, I bid as high as it took, probably what they want, but I didn't care. She is 3 years-old and has already had 5 litters of puppies. (This is a photo of Kaylee Renee, the little Yorkie I rescued, along with one of my previously rescued Beagles.)

I am mad, so mad and so unbelievably hurt. It's not only that they are using these dogs for overbreeding, but their condition and broken spirits is absolutely heartbreaking.

Maybe you have to see this in order to completely understand? Perhaps that is why so little has been accomplished to stop this senseless abuse and cruelty. I was shocked to learn my own dog's veterinarian in Wisconsin had never heard of this auction. There aren't words to describe how I am feeling."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Post Script to this letter...for those of you who think this kind of abusive and cruel behavior only happens to dogs at the Horst Stables Auction business in Thorp, Wisconsin...check out their website. They auction small animals, and that includes this notice taken directly from their website:
Small Animals: Chickens, rabbits, bird, sheep,

goats, llamas, pigs, exotic pets, and much more!

I shudder to think how these other creatures are treated.

This is really important. If you have purchased a puppy from:

a pet store,
a breeder you do not know,

a breeder who does not sell on Sunday

a breeder who did not show you both the puppy's parents, and the facility where it was raised...
YOU SHARE IN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CRUELTY AND ABUSE OF THESE PUPPIES AND DOGS.