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summer – visitors

August 13, 2014 | 2 Comments

An Unexpected Visitor

An Unexpected Visitor

As far back as I can remember summer holds memories of the many visits we would make; travelling to Battle Creek, Michigan, to see Auntie Bev and Uncle Avon.  We would tour the Kellogg’s factory and my brother and sisters, and I were so excited to come home with miniature boxes of our favourite cereals (frosted flakes were mine, in case you wondered).  We spent many fun days by the Lake in Sarnia with Auntie Betty and Uncle Reg, and if we were lucky, we would visit the children’s animal farm.  The perfect treat to end those visits was Auntie Betty’s fudge, and cheese straws.  Such a treat in fact, friends who’d previously sampled these delights would ask if we brought any back with us.

We also played host to several visitors during the summer months; friends and family from as far away as England would come and stay.  Although not the queen, that is whom one would expect to see on our doorstep; in-depth, detailed cleaning and various d.i.y. projects were carried out prior to the arrival of our special guests.  Everything had to be perfect!  We planned activities and showed guests what fun we could have in Ontario.  Sights included Niagara Falls, the CN Tower, Ontario Place, The Canadian National Exhibition, The ROM (Royal Ontario Museum), and we were proud to take our friends for a tour of Uncle Tom’s Cabin – just minutes from our home.  We used the ‘special’ plates, glasses and cutlery, and we knew we could look forward to roast potatoes, Brussel sprouts, Yorkshire puddings and little juice glasses of either tomato or apple juice.  Some kids might turn their noses up at some of those menu items – those were my favourite meals.

We enjoyed our visits and visitors and continue to speak of highlights from each of the joyous times spent together.  Everyone was welcome.  Well, almost everyone.  Living on a farm, in rural Ontario, we did have a few stray dogs show up on our doorstep.  I was thrilled my parents, however, not so much.  Hunters would lose track of their dogs or even more sad; people would drive out to the country to abandon them and leave them to fend for themselves.  I wanted to keep them all.

Fast forward a couple of decades to the present week; The night before last, I found myself pleading with an unexpected guest to make their exit.  I didn’t have a problem with Pepe – Henry was inhospitable, and made everyone feel more than a little ‘uncomfortable.’  Henry stood right behind Pepe and barked, and barked up this poor, cute little skunk’s tail each step he took.  Henry made it clear this guest was not welcome.  I did not see him when I first turned the backyard light on to send Henry and Reese out to do their ‘bedtime business.’  The skunk, who had two very tiny hints of white – like two ‘pinstripes’ on either side of his suit tail, was polite and incredibly tolerant – a complete gentleman (or, perhaps a lady). Pepe (or Pippa) only made a scene (or in this case a major scent) at the appearance of my husband wielding a garden broom back and forth in the air in an effort to distract Henry.  Henry let out a quick yelp, as the spray and possibly claw, or tooth came in contact with rude dog’s face. The skunk took full advantage of Henry being distracted.  Reese was feeling anti-social, or perhaps she just knew better than to join in.

I carried my stinky dog through the house and plopped him straight in the shower.  Although gagging with the force of a full body spasm, I managed to work the plumbing and start rinsing away the skunk oil/spray while my husband googled what we should do next.  Of course, as our wise trainer later pointed out – skunks spray AFTER the stores are all closed. We did find a solution online.  A solution of peroxide, baking soda and washing liquid (see reference below).  Being careful to avoid eyes, mouth and ears (although I’m sure the skunk did not), my husband set about scrubbing the offensive odor out of our soggy, smelly, sad looking little dog.  Because we couldn’t use the solution around Henry’s eyes, we did flush them in case any of the skunk oil came in direct contact and Henry was too surprised to squint defensively. We did notice a small scratch on Henry’s nose which we are monitoring.  Although there is much debate about how often to vaccinate against rabies, it should be done at least once, every three years.  There is no treatment for Rabies. In order to prevent worry and possible suffering, I vowed to get back into the habit of scanning the garden before opening the door, and putting Henry and Reese on their leads before stepping out to do their ‘bedtime business.’

I contacted our veterinarian and scheduled a checkup, and after a second bath this evening using a shampoo specifically for this very special occasion, Henry has stopped rubbing his face on the rugs and seems more like his normal, full-spirited self.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2102&aid=347

http://ottawahumane.ca/wildlife/skunkfaqs.cfm

http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/veterinaryqa/qt/SkunkFirstAid.htm

http://petvalu.com/dog/grooming/product/43996/skunk-odor-neutralizing-shampoo-dirty-hairy

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/13038

http://www.childrensanimalfarm.com/

http://www.rom.on.ca/en?gclid=COPL7Y-PkMACFQaCMgodugkArg

http://theex.com/

http://www.ontarioplace.com/

http://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/Uncle-Tom-s-Cabin-Historic-Site/Home.aspx

http://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/Conservation/Buildings/Uncle-Tom-s-Cabin-Historic-Site-(Dresden).aspx

Categories: HEALTH & WELLNESS Tagged: Bathtime, Henry, Skunk

it’s the lil’ things

September 23, 2013 | 2 Comments

My Favorite Things – Rodgers & Hammerstein, RCA Records 1965

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,
bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens,
brown paper packages tied up with strings,
these are a few of my favorite things.

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels,
door bells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles.
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings;
these are a few of my favorite things.

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes,
snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes,
silver white winters that melt into springs,
these are a few of my favorite things.

When the dog bites, when the bee stings,
when I’m feeling sad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
and then I don’t feel so bad.

This was one of my favourite songs, from one of my favourite movies, when I was growing up.  I admit, I still set the PVR (Tivo) to ‘record’, if I see The Sound of Music, scheduled for broadcast.  I doubt there is anyone reading this, that does not recognize the lyrics from ‘The Sound of Music.’  Most of you are reading along to the tune, playing in your mind.

Have you ever made a list of your favourite things, do you take stock of the little things in life, that make you happy?  If not, take a few moments and jot them down somewhere.  Now, imagine this list, transformed into a work of art.

Provincetown 2013 087

This summer, I attended the Purple Turtle Art Festival; an amazing display of original paintings, photographs, jewelry, sculptures, pottery, woodcraft, native art, and more.

Set in a lush meadow, and catered by chefs from The Briars – Ontario Destination Resort, Spa and Conference Centre; The festival, includes works by more than 30 artisans from Toronto to Tory Hill, Ontario, as well as local artists.  This, is where I first learned of Nadya.

It was a very hot and humid Ontario day, as we entered the festival.  My husband was growing impatient, at being dragged from one booth, to the next.  Eventually, I made my way, to the far corner of the exhibition, from which, the colours from Nadya’s display beckoned me to visit.  The use of vibrant colours, still managed to evoke calm.  The serene imagery, and philosophical quotes were thought-provoking; each piece, an affirming meditation on canvas.

Nadya had stepped away from her booth during the time I perused her work.  Helping myself to one of her business cards, I knew I would be contacting her very soon;  I wanted one of her creations, displayed in my home, so that each time I walked past it, I would be reminded of the lil’ things.  Reminded, that it’s important to take time to appreciate these things.

Describing herself as a girl from the North Country, Nadya says; “I live in the forest with my very tolerant family and a plethora of animals. Mr. CFO is my husband of eons, my children Miss Know-It-All (self-proclaimed) and my son ‘The Juicer’, are ever-present to guide me through this wild, strange thing we call life. I am a person who could easily withstand being under house arrest, I love to be in my home studio creating. I find beauty in my everyday life and transform what inspires me into jewellery & art. I love taking pictures, loud music, red wine and cute babies. I enjoy hats and wear many of them. I am a work in-progress and passionate about what I like & love. I enjoy letting my freak flag fly and observing how true honesty makes people uncomfortable. I try to be fearless.”

Nadya collage_2

I corresponded with Nadya, initially via email. I described myself as an advocate for animals, and mom to pups Henry, and Reese.  I wondered if she would do a piece, reflective of this, and was invited to visit Nadya at her home. When I arrived, it was like visiting an old friend; we visited for ages.  I met Nadyas family, their protector, Lacey the cat, and hens; Thelma and Louise.  My husband accompanied me on today’s visit.  We toured ‘the farm’, met additional hens, quails, and new arrival, Sofie – the baby hedgehog.  On this day, I was also very excited, to collect my charming, whimsical, ‘li’l things by Nadya’ artwork. 

I am very pleased to introduce you to Nadya; a wonderful person, a lover of animals, with a positive outlook on life; this, I believe, is translated through her beautiful works of art.

http://www.purpleturtlearts.ca/

http://www.briars.ca/

http://lilthingsbynadya.com/

Categories: PRODUCT & SERVICE REVIEWS Tagged: Affirmation, Appreciation, Art, Calm, Enjoy Life, Fearless, Free, Henry, honesty, Inspiration, Love, Meditation, Passion, Philosophy, Reese, Serene, Thought-provoking, Vibrant

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