tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10851030709820498692012-02-09T19:46:51.552-05:00"Take what you can from your dreams, make them as real as anything."MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.comBlogger761100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-14071095108552940122012-02-06T21:53:00.002-05:002012-02-06T21:57:37.728-05:00

OK, I'm back to writing articles (for now - we'll see how long it lasts).Here's the link to read the latest... http://www.examiner.com/dog-health-in-charlottesville/don-t-neglect-doggie-breathRemember, I write about dog health and wellness. That's what I was hired to do. Don't be offended if you don't see any cat, bird, rabbit, cow, etc. articles - I was not hired to write about those wonderful

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-87289769606926835392012-01-01T15:54:00.000-05:002012-01-01T15:54:47.712-05:00

Hubby bought the "wrong" cut of steak - a chuck steak.  I've never really had any experience with chuck steak, and the sticker on the package said, "Great for Grilling!"  Really?  Try to find charcoal in the dead of winter... So, I thought I would get creative in the kitchen.  Turned out pretty good.  Nothing caught fire, and hubby said he'd like me to fix it again (wow, that's a huge compliment

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-61153939310967901372011-12-31T19:08:00.002-05:002011-12-31T19:08:25.134-05:00

Wow, what a rollercoaster 2011 has been.  I'm ready for the door to shut on it, slide the deadbolts into place, and throw the keys into the sea. That being said - there were some bright spots in the year. Oh, and my cousin is engaged!  It's about time...they've only been dating for 8 years.  It may take another 8 for them to actually walk down the aisle. Onward and upward, peeps!

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-13263852619402385362011-12-05T20:49:00.006-05:002011-12-05T21:46:30.105-05:00

Has it seriously been 4+ months since my last post? Craptastic....I've been meaning to blog, but just haven't gotten around to it. A sweetened condensed version of the goings-on since July:- Working like a dawg (at the same clinic I did relief work for last summer; I was able to get a fulltime position when we moved back from Baltimore). I've seen some interesting cases recently - Calicivirus("

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-13515458187368565342011-07-05T19:10:00.002-04:002011-07-05T19:20:58.510-04:00

Dear Noah, We could have sworn you said the ark wasn't leaving till 5. Sincerely, Unicorns Dear Icebergs, Sorry to hear about the global warming. Karma's a bitch. Sincerely, The Titanic Dear America, You produced Miley Cyrus. Bieber is your punishment. Sincerely, Canada Dear Yahoo, I've never heard anyone say, "I don't know, let's Yahoo! it." just saying... Sincerely, Google Dear 2010, So I

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-58045388991731038122011-06-25T10:47:00.002-04:002011-06-25T10:55:43.558-04:00

The in-laws are visiting today. More specifically, my father-in-law and his wife are visiting. This is the first time he's ever come to visit us (we've been married 5 years). Actually, hubby informed that this is the first time his dad has visited him at his house since he's graduated college (1994? I think)Don't get me wrong - I get along well with the inlaws (and so-so with the outlaws, as the

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-76054664925866754922011-06-23T10:15:00.003-04:002011-06-23T10:21:56.368-04:00

I can't get this song out of my head this morning, so I thought maybe, if I wrote the lyrcis down (and sang them as I wrote), it would help clear it out of my head. The music that goes along with it is nice too....especially the live version - Boyd Tinsley has a haunting violin solo at the end of the piece."Seek Up"Sometimes I feel like I'm fallingFall back again, fall back again,Fall back again,

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-24582468357129994842011-04-06T18:06:00.002-04:002011-04-06T18:10:21.504-04:00

Did you know that 1 in 4 dogs will die of cancer? Found some interesting info about a 13 year study that's going to launch later this year regarding canine cancer, so that was the "fodder" for my latest article. Here's the link (I learned how to shorten it! hooray!)

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-82504243849752091292011-04-03T18:52:00.002-04:002011-04-03T19:22:45.444-04:00

Um...yeah, about that. Not quite, but dang if I was close to it this weekend. Since we are moving back to the Valley (big HOORAY!), we've been working on the house - painting, new carpet, the whole shabang. So, I've been working my butt off ripping up carpet, pulling out those teenie tiny carpet staples, painting rooms, blah blah blah. Then, I decided to try to cook. Now mind you, cooking is not

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-81372967451833206632011-03-30T01:16:00.003-04:002011-03-30T01:20:09.162-04:00

Spring is here, we're all getting cabin fever. Before you trek up the mountain with your pooch, read this article: Preparing your pet for the great outdoors (I know I'm shamelessly promoting my articles, but hey, isn't that what social media is about?)

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-74358816457569659502011-03-25T09:54:00.002-04:002011-03-25T09:57:06.673-04:00

New article here http://www.examiner.com/dog-health-in-charlottesville/killing-them-with-kindness-pet-obesityTake a moment to read it, then give me some perspective, please.For some reason, I had all these thoughts swirling around my head on this one, but a really difficult time trying to organize them into a short article. Ugh...

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-14606780581285715732011-03-21T18:20:00.002-04:002011-03-21T18:32:24.556-04:00

I applied for a job with the examiner.com as a writer on dog health and wellness. I had to submit a sample of my writing, and within a few days I received a "Welcome Aboard!" email, giving me all the details about writing for the site. This will give me a way to earn a little extra dough while exercising my creative juices, and still being a patient advocate - trying to reach more people about

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-36068077273496499732011-03-07T20:31:00.004-05:002011-03-07T20:51:24.574-05:00

Remember last year when I blogged about Picasso eating a sock, having an exploratory, and me discovering a new Murphy's law? Well....the dummy ate another sock last week and it became obstructed. Decisions had to be made; hubby and I had heated debates - at least this time I was working for a vet and services would be discounted, however, hubby didn't want to keep shelling out money for repeated

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-54374501892768760732011-02-04T23:35:00.002-05:002011-02-04T23:54:43.002-05:00

So...I went to the doctor on Tuesday for my annual routine physical with bloodwork. Went to a new doctor up here in Baltimore (since it's just more convenient than driving 3 hours back to the Valley) - told her about all the aches and pains that I've been having for years. Instead of blowing me off or telling me that it's all in my head (which is what 2 or 3 doctors in Virginia had said on

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-54263898730991754382010-09-26T12:51:00.000-04:002010-09-26T12:52:08.983-04:00

I'm running back and forth between Baltimore and the Valley for a while - spending my weekends in Virginia until the house sells, and during the week working in Baltimore. So far, the job isn't bad...I'm getting a little bored, though because I'm not being mentally challenged enough, and there's not enough work for me to do. *sigh*Has anyone ever heard of or used a "career counsellor" or career

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-44237723528717190572010-06-16T11:28:00.000-04:002010-06-16T11:29:22.881-04:00

Ugh. I know it's been a Very Long Time since I've posted (or even logged on here, for that matter)...there's been a lot of stuff happening.For starters, right after I left my job, Picasso ate a sock (nothing new); this time it got stuck and he had to have emergency surgery. So, I discovered a new Murphy's law. When you work in the veterinary field, your dog will not get deathly ill until you

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-30348661349631082142010-04-05T21:00:00.004-04:002010-04-06T10:19:06.469-04:00

I checked the Warehouse site last night (can't believe I forgot to post this on here...I posted everywhere else, heehee) to see if seating assignments had been posted. The Warehouse is Dave Matthews Band's official Fan club out of Charlottesville, and I buy my concert tickets through them - it's cheaper, you get first dibs before the general public does, and sometimes you score good seats. And

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-11842308436809698802010-04-05T10:20:00.002-04:002010-04-05T10:41:54.046-04:00

I have a VERY fuzzy, VERY pink bathrobe that has even pinker hearts scattered all over it. Found it at Kmart several months ago, and I absolutely love it. It's the first thing I throw on when I roll out of bed. The second is typically my glasses.This morning, however, I felt adventurous, and forwent the glasses. (have I ever mentioned that I'm EXTREMELY nearsighted without them....like to the

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-33096325618258935432010-04-01T12:46:00.001-04:002010-04-01T12:46:57.660-04:00

Krystal Kyrstal burgers (AKA gut bombs or sliders) remind me of my dad...Man, he can put a sack of those things away (a sack is what, 24?)....we used to have eating contests with these things - then regret it about an hour later! We'd also end up with belching contests following the eating contests. he still holds the family record for both, I think.

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-36326641752090766622010-04-01T12:31:00.001-04:002010-04-01T12:31:24.311-04:00

Add a peach margarita and I'm in heaven :) Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Potato Quesadilla - Blue Corn Mexican Cheese quesadilla,Some chicken sprinkled inside-Delectable, Yes!

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-34413831313057389562010-03-30T14:28:00.004-04:002010-03-30T14:44:42.168-04:00

Who should I start with? I suppose with Grandpa....he had actually been gaining weight during treatment as of last week (Hooray!) I saw him Friday and he was in excellent spirits, with an even better than excellent appetite. However, on Saturday, "it" hit him - the side effects of treatment. He has been vomiting, unable to keep anything down since then. And, to top it off, he's having "bowel

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-14083394695033404212010-03-24T15:34:00.002-04:002010-03-24T15:58:35.707-04:00

I went to the chiropractor for the first time today. See, I've been having issues with my left hip for years ( I think my family doctor thinks it's in my head) and for the past 2 months I've been having a burning/tingling shooting down my left arm into my pinkie and ring finger - starting in my shoulder and sometimes even in my neck. My family doctor sent me for xrays and said that I had

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-71959205872652191842010-03-21T20:59:00.001-04:002010-03-21T20:59:37.137-04:00

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-40006349237190032252010-03-13T11:23:00.003-05:002010-03-13T11:39:43.529-05:00

I gave my notice on Tuesday. Nope, no job lined up. Hubby is more than a little irritated with me in that respect.On Monday, it was just more of the same stupid stuff....one of the assistants literally pushed me out of the way to place an IV catheter in a critical patient. Some problems with this scenario : 1) she is unlicensed and therefore not supposed to be placing IV catheters; 2) when

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-15379268411370977472010-03-07T14:00:00.002-05:002010-03-07T14:27:53.820-05:00

It's been quite a week, well, actually 2 weeks. Lemme begin with the foot guru visit on Feb. 24 (I think that was the date). That appointment lasted an entire 10 minutes tops. Guru said everything looked spectacular and we'll come back in 3 months. Yay!At the end of that week, I attended the Virginia Veterinary Conference in Roanoke (the 26 and 27). Learned lots of cool stuff about laser

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-9624736773609247452010-02-19T20:56:00.002-05:002010-02-19T21:04:27.629-05:00

Grandpa had his appointment with the oncologist today. Bear in mind, this info was relayed to me by Grandma, so I probably got bits and pieces of the story....anyhoo the type of cancer he has is sarcomatoid (then I think she said RCC afterward). It's very aggressive (boo!). He's going to receive both radiation and chemotherapy, once he has some more tests done this coming Tuesday (one is a "

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-68815479833890782732010-02-14T15:02:00.002-05:002010-02-14T15:19:21.783-05:00

I took this quiz just for grins. Some of it is definitely hogwash...but hey, when I got to the "Acutual Problem" section, I was a little shocked - sure it's a little vague, but at the same time it's not. Does that make any sense? The *** denote my personal commentary after each section. Enjoy!Your Existing Situation "Is stubborn, demanding, and arrogant, works toward her own goals and

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-3682712984969197512010-02-03T20:17:00.003-05:002010-02-03T20:20:00.719-05:00

Grandpa's pathology results came back. A rare type of bladder cancer. We're waiting for the oncologist to call (hopefully tomorrow) to find out treatment options, etc. Wish I had more to report, but this is exactly what I was told via email by my aunt. She didn't even have the name of the cancer, so I can't research it. :(2010 is not turning out to be my friend....

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-36143030196244218912010-01-28T18:27:00.004-05:002010-01-28T18:50:55.582-05:00

Grandpa was released yesterday morning, with a urinary catheter (he was NOT a happy camper about that, but hey, it beats hanging out in a hospital). The xrays showed no metastasis (hooray!). A cat scan and bone scan had also been done at some point (Sherri nor Grandma remembered when it was done; maybe when the xrays were taken?) and they came back "clear" - nothing cancerous found. Another

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-564131837928626612010-01-26T17:37:00.002-05:002010-01-26T17:59:29.336-05:00

The doctors removed a "decent sized" mass from Grandpa's bladder and have sent it off to determine if it is benign or malignant. From the way my aunt was telling me, the docs are leaning towards malignancy - they were already telling her if it was X, they would treat with radiation; if it was Y, it would be chemo; and Z would be a combination of both. Originally it was supposed to be an

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-56725285473526705432010-01-24T19:10:00.002-05:002010-01-24T19:24:35.685-05:00

My grandpa is having surgery tomorrow. He's been having trouble urinating for a few weeks; this past week, he's been urinating blood. So, the urologist is gonna have a peek at his bladder and such in surgery tomorrow and make sure there's no cancer hanging out. I'm a little concerned because the last time he went under anesthesia at this particular hospital he had a heart attack...ended up

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-39795051736829687582010-01-21T21:27:00.003-05:002010-01-21T21:36:42.244-05:00

It's quite possible that my depression is slithering back into my life. I've been trying to fight it for the past several months...some of the "signs" are screaming in front of me - constantly tired, wanting to sleep all the time, that big empty hole inside of me. Ugh. I look at myself in the morning and I see a shell (no pun intended on my name there) of my existence. I hate being this way.

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-65568103457372440722009-12-31T14:34:00.002-05:002009-12-31T14:35:36.549-05:00

Here's Hoping 2010 is better than 2009........Going out to the Clocktower in Staunton tonight with some friends, then who knows what?Y'all stay safe :)

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-55992470366712065862009-12-21T11:14:00.002-05:002009-12-21T11:25:22.032-05:00

The snow began coming down Friday afternoon. It took us over 3 hours to get home from work (typically takes us an hour and 15 minutes). By the time I woke up Saturday morning, we were blanketed with 13 or so inches. Saturday evening I checked again and we were up to at least 19" of the white stuff. And it was still coming down.Picasso loves the snow - he romps all through it. Loves it when

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-26973964040531589082009-12-06T19:26:00.002-05:002009-12-06T19:36:21.373-05:00

We had our first snow of the season yesterday! A total 3 inches blanketed our little corner of the Valley. It was so beautiful, and it didn't stick to the roads (which is how I like it).I'm not a snow person; I prefer autumn - mild temperatures and crisp air with the sun shining. Not this freezing, windy crap. But yesterday was serene. I wonder where the neighborhood kids were; I didn't

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-59719224823154250092009-11-22T11:01:00.003-05:002009-11-22T11:20:36.105-05:00

Just thought I'd fill y'all in on the happenings.First, we went back to the foot guru week before last. Hubby is wearing a "stormtrooper" boot (air cast, I think is the technical term, but hey, Darth Vader would be proud). Also doing some physical therapy at home. Still non-weightbearing until at least Dec 15 (when the next appointment is). The foot is actually looking like a foot!I gave my

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-53842937840388099952009-11-08T21:12:00.002-05:002009-11-08T21:14:55.922-05:00

Hubby had his pins removed this past Wednesday! Hooray!A temporary splint is on his foot. We go back to Baltimore on Thursday for a recheck. Guru is not sure yet if we're doing a cast or just the storm trooper boot.Moods are definitely better in the household :)

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-7511877010745048482009-11-08T20:16:00.003-05:002009-11-08T21:16:14.191-05:00

As of the last reading, yours truly was near wit's end with her job. Several things have transpired - something like a straw breaking a camel's back, perhaps?I ask you, the reader, this : Since when is it OK to harrass a coworker about her religious beliefs? Take it one step further - Said coworker hasn't even mentioned religious beliefs in workplace, and other person (the boss) has assumed

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-26488953273347550172009-10-22T21:36:00.004-04:002009-10-22T21:47:36.994-04:00

Today at hubby's recheck the foot guru said, "All systems GO!" on having the pins removed on November 4th. (he didn't literally say that, but he did do a funny little dance for us)A splint/half cast will be applied to the foot once the pins are out, then guru will recheck the foot a week after pin removal. Then, I think a more permanent cast will be put on for a month or so.Woohoo!

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-67567829919934176132009-10-18T17:22:00.002-04:002009-10-18T17:45:09.043-04:00

I'm just gonna spit it right out - I despise my new job.I am admitting I made a mistake (to an extent) - I still needed to leave my old position, but I should not have come to work at this company. Corporate medicine is really leaving a bad taste in my mouth. Some of my coworkers are nice people; but the overall atmosphere is negative and feels "poisoned". The person I directly report to (a

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-16442934098385157912009-09-26T20:30:00.002-04:002009-09-26T20:34:25.783-04:00

Ted had his 2 month post-op checkup this past Thursday (the 24th). The guru (after looking at the rads) said everything is coming along nicely, and we've set a date to have the pins removed (all 11 of them)! Still don't know if Ted will have a hard cast/storm trooper boot/soft cast once the erector set is gone, but still....YAY!Home health is not coming out to the house anymore. I am cleaning

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-6515825684447941752009-09-17T13:14:00.002-04:002009-09-17T13:25:41.778-04:00

Harumph. Grr. This is some of the crap I'm talking about...Dad was in Lynchburg this week (Sun-Wed) for some sort of training session. He rode with his boss, so I understand that he couldn't meet up for lunch or dinner or whatever. However, he called on Sunday to let me know he made it to VA ok, and PROMISED he'd call me on Monday - even went as far as to ask what time would be good to call (

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-19004900922385902922009-09-11T19:17:00.003-04:002009-09-11T19:25:05.147-04:00

the rest of the week wasn't nearly as bad as the first day. Today was extremely crazy tho - 8 anesthetic procedures. Ugh! I've noticed that when the head vet comes in, the atmosphere in the room is so tense (it drives me beserk)...I'm sure the stress level shoots up tenfold when he enters the building. He's not a bad guy, just very impatient (he wanted those lab results on the dog that hasn't

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-38560722266265076402009-09-09T05:33:00.002-04:002009-09-09T05:39:18.391-04:00

Extremely frustrated. I'm trying to stay positive, but it may be tough. I cried all the way home, then cried some more once I got home. Only 1 person in the staff is warm/friendly and didn't snap my head off. I got yelled at by the dvm practically the minute I walked through the door - he swore I was 45 minutes late, when I was actually 15 minutes early (the manager called me on Thursday and

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-50105281149377357322009-09-06T15:32:00.003-04:002009-09-06T16:18:26.128-04:00

Honestly, folks, this person who donated half of my chromosomal make-up concerns me. He and mom divorced when I was 7; we've had quite the "on again, off again" type of relationship throughout my life (or would it be off again, on again? anyway, I think you get the idea....he has a daughter when it suits him).Let me give you the rundown on the many wives (yes, that is PLURAL) that he's had -

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-1786811858256330772009-08-30T21:19:00.004-04:002009-08-30T21:20:59.597-04:00

Why did the snail paint an "S" on the side of his car?So people would say, "Look at that S car go!":-P(can you tell I'm tired?)

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-8666165112334587322009-08-30T15:50:00.002-04:002009-08-30T15:58:13.416-04:00

Wow, it HAS really been a month since I last posted. Sorry about that! Things have been busy.Went to the Women of Faith conference with some longtime pals of mine and had a good look at myself and convictions.Ted's foot continues to heal well - his next recheck is September 24. He has 11 pins in his foot; a nurse comes daily to clean the sites and rewrap. Another 2 weeks left of the

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-90402385839697399832009-07-29T21:43:00.002-04:002009-07-29T21:53:05.959-04:00

Well, Ted had his surgery on Monday. The guru estimated it would take 4 hours; it ended up taking over 5. There are pins sticking out all over the place (like a shishkabob, sort of, in a cannabalistic way, I guess....), and these pins are attached to metal pieces - one is shaped like a horseshoe, and the others are L and square U shaped. Really like an erector set. There are only a few screws

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-44314507131951500542009-07-22T07:23:00.002-04:002009-07-22T07:26:46.947-04:00

Just for sheer entertainment...Ted looked up different sayings for farts (fart-jokes.com). The one that really struck me funny (and I almost had to pull over the car because I was laughing so hard) was this one:There went a mouse on a motorcycle.Maybe it was the picture that conjured up? I dunno. But after all this seriousness and gloom, I needed a good laugh; thought y'all might too. :)Have a

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-32947335374851048322009-07-18T14:25:00.003-04:002009-07-18T14:35:10.100-04:00

Well folks, I didn't know 4:30 am existed. I'm here to tell you that it does, and it comes early....especially when you've already worked 10 or so hours and driven 4 or so hours, and slept 5 hours (if you're lucky).Ted's boss has been not so nice about his work schedule concerning his foot (Ted is not allowed to drive....his job is an hour away....he could work from home, but NOOOOOO. The boss

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-52176649512075041742009-07-03T19:56:00.002-04:002009-07-03T20:18:04.873-04:00

Where do I even begin? I think I may have a total of 8 hours of sleep under my belt for this entire week. Yep, I'm pretty exhausted....fussy...cranky...whiny....kinda like most toddlers. *sigh*Wednesday we headed back to Baltimore to see the Foot Guru. Ted had copies of the MRI, but not of the vascular test, because RMH (and the wonderful competent people they are, hahaha) PROMISED they would

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-53413795081354894432009-06-28T17:41:00.002-04:002009-06-28T18:05:41.974-04:00

Summer is here, and now I can grill out practically every night. I love to grill, but I detest the kitchen (hello? domestically disabled here! LOL). Maybe because grilling doesn't seem like a typical housewifey type thing to do....who knows? And, to take it another step further (farther?) I REFUSE to use a gas grill; it must be charcoal. Ted wants to get a gas grill, but since we've been

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-56684363795896292092009-06-24T23:10:00.002-04:002009-06-24T23:14:21.955-04:00

Get this.....we have the MRI and vascular test for Ted's foot scheduled for this upcoming Friday (the 26th). We both figured it would take several weeks to get in to see the foot guru about the results after they were done, right? You know, being that he is a specialist and all....Well, guru had one of his disciples make an appointment for Ted on Wednesday July 1 at 2pm, which is during their

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-45223602353012884492009-06-22T07:20:00.002-04:002009-06-22T07:30:01.662-04:00

Yes indeed, animal lovers. It's PARVO SEASON. And it's back in full force. We've had 8 cases in less than 4 weeks. Two of the worst parts? 7 of the 8 cases have died, and this is just the beginning of summer.Please, please, PLEASE - if you get a puppy, make sure you he/she receives the complete vaccine series! That is, beginning at approximately 6 weeks of age (which in Virginia it is

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-5481118807986511102009-06-18T21:59:00.004-04:002009-06-18T22:15:38.108-04:00

We saw the foot guru this morning. Bright and early - 7:45am. Mercy hospital has a nice warm ambience to it. I never thought I would say that about a hospital. Hmm.Anyway, foot guru and his disciples (heehee) took many radiographs of Ted's feet. Said he had Charcot feet (sounds like Sharko - I wanted to say Polo after he said Sharko, but due to the gravity of the situation, refrained). Guru

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-50837809695456534222009-06-15T17:45:00.003-04:002009-06-15T18:14:35.200-04:00

All rightie tighties.....here's an update for ya. Last Wednesday I looked at hubby's foot and FREAKED OUT...literally went apeshit on him. Normally I can handle (medical) stuff pretty decent, but this foot was just scary. The top of it had a greenish tinge to it (I told him green isn't good. He told me it was the bathroom lighting. I told him he was full of shit.). Also on the lateral side

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-42319004103403629962009-06-03T12:47:00.002-04:002009-06-03T13:01:27.808-04:00

Ted had a Dr. appointment this morning. I went along for the ride (I think I may sometimes irritate the dr's, but I'm to the point where I don't give a rat's patootie).The doc took another culture of the wound on Ted's foot.....yours truly is betting it comes back with staph written all over it, because hey, staph lives on the skin. Urrrr duh derrr!However, after the third time of Ted

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-64037372113104556582009-05-29T19:06:00.006-04:002009-05-29T19:31:41.431-04:00

I've begged enough, sighed enough, mumbled enough.....FINALLY Ted decided that new cell phones may be in order.The cell phone he uses is issued from his job (aka Freebie phone). My phone was his old cell phone (aka the "zack Morris cellphone" or the "brick" phone - the thing is ANCIENT).After going to the Sprint store and checking out phones, he thought we should wait until the end of the summer

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-25054948041726577202009-05-24T15:03:00.004-04:002009-05-24T15:17:30.758-04:00

Sorry for the delayed update y'all....First off, we've been in Hampton this past week attending Virginia's Grand Chapter Session (Order of the Eastern Star). Met bunches of fraternal sisters and brothers - always nice to see new faces and catch up with some old ones too! We also swung by the beach while we were there, and the Williamsburg outlets.As far as the foot goes, from the OUTSIDE it

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-84538410242974199792009-05-15T09:44:00.002-04:002009-05-15T09:58:33.421-04:00

After a week of IV vancomycin and oral ciprofloxacin, the foot is not getting better and I am fighting with the doctor's offices as I type this, trying to get copies of his medical records (I despise HIPAA) so we can get a second opinion in Baltimore - whether it be at Hopkins, University, Mercy, etc. The man needs specialists, and there simply aren't any here (or in Charlottesville, for that

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-62241318335603930992009-05-09T20:37:00.002-04:002009-05-09T21:19:40.096-04:00

Ted's foot is at it again. *BIG SIGH*Here is a brief history on this foot before I go into the most recent activities....please bear in mind this has been going on since approximately August 2006. MRSA sucks out loud.(this excerpt from my journal written on March 4, 2007)Ugh, what a week! I had 2 midterm practicals to study for, and my husband ended up in the hospital for surgery on his foot. I

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-3013947677258516132009-05-08T07:05:00.003-04:002009-05-08T07:15:56.438-04:00

I bought D.A.P. as a last ditch resort to the madness at my house with pooping Picasso (the retaliatory turdmonger) and shoutbox Solomon (who barks at EVERYTHING). D.A.P. is Dog Appeasement Pheromone - I purchased 2 diffusers, a spray, and a collar. I haven't used the collar or spray yet (those are for when we go on car rides). I have, however, plugged in both diffusers (one upstairs and one

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-36547212650377949772009-05-04T22:01:00.002-04:002009-05-04T22:07:36.829-04:00

Hmm, I opened the mailbox today and there was a cardboard-y looking envelope. Return address: the Warehouse (Dave Matthews Band fanclub). Yes, it was addressed to me. I didn't order anything from the site, other than my concert tickets - one was for the Charlottesville show, which has passed, the other show in Hershey Park isn't until July, so I won't be getting those tix until a week or so

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-59549133229702086952009-05-02T15:27:00.004-04:002009-05-02T16:33:55.573-04:00

As promised, here is a glimpse of the pets that contribute to my (in)sanity....HARPO is my 6 year old Quaker parrot (some people call them monk parakeets; same diff). I've had him since he was about 6 weeks old. He is a constant source of entertainment and annoyance. Knowing over 60 words, he tends to formulate his own sentences. He's also a smartass. Here is a typical weekday with Harpo (

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-26140460891846393162009-05-01T17:21:00.003-04:002009-05-02T15:16:00.018-04:00

I haven't really blogged much. So here's an update for the week:Business has slowed down a little at work, which has all of us a little nervous. Also, JS's eye is not healing as quickly as we thought it would. JS is the practice owner, and main surgeon. He's not been doing surgery for over a month, and he just recently began seeing (no pun intended) appointments again (like last week). Not

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-30118389970242592192009-04-28T19:37:00.002-04:002009-04-28T19:52:01.200-04:00

Ok, this is one of my all time favorite recipes. You know it has to be easy AND quick because yours truly hates to be in the kitchen. I am, after all, domestically disabled.I found it in a crock pot book. What? A quiche in a crock pot? Yes, indeed! And it is delicious! I have a little variation to the variation, which I will note at the bottom.....CHEESY CHICKEN QUICHE2 tablespoons corn

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-22698813172036984752009-04-22T11:35:00.002-04:002009-04-22T12:34:08.312-04:00

As I've posted in previous blogs, there are some people I work with that have nicknames and deserve their own blog - not because they're sheer genius, but so y'all can relate to why I get a tad bit annoyed with them.I shall start with the one Dr., who has been nicknamed "Crabby Patty." The name has dual meanings, actually. The first (and obvious) is that she is always in a cranky mood, until 5

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-85546364701891632872009-04-18T11:17:00.002-04:002009-04-18T11:27:49.275-04:00

What can I say? The concert last night *rocked*. Although I got sent back to my car for having a camera (why can't they tell you this ahead of time that they aren't allowed in the venue?) I still made it in with plenty of time to spare.They did a cover of "Burning Down the House", which I loved.....Dave's "crazy legs" (dance) were doing over time. Boyd Tinsley's solo on "Ants Marching" was one

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-74270990963361763842009-04-17T12:06:00.003-04:002009-04-17T12:55:10.203-04:00

I read my friend Andrea's post about her having a Monday. I hate to top her, but I have had an entire WEEK of Mondays. Shall we recap? Sure!Monday:Complete loss of hand-eye coordination at work. I was dropping drugs on the floor (fun trying to find those little thyroid pills when they roll under the counters) - at least I had enough sense to stay away from the controlled substances! Then,

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-90325054134226506382009-04-11T22:45:00.001-04:002009-04-11T22:45:02.412-04:00

Kathy and I met when I was 10. She was a friend of my dad and first stepmom's. We immediately hit it off. Whenever I'd visit Dad for the summer, Kat and I would go shopping, get into some sort of "innocent" trouble - like toilet papering the previously mentioned stepmom's house (who by that time had become an exstepmom), etc etc.We call each other every few months, and send cards. Kat (

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-5049675238430309792009-04-09T23:10:00.000-04:002009-04-09T23:24:08.576-04:00

There's so much stuff I want to write down, but I can't seem to get a grasp on it long enough to jot it. Ugh! Not really writer's block, ya know? Just maybe....ADHD? Senility (haha)?I guess I'll start with the most recent and go backwards.Auntie called me today - 2 family members (a cousin and a great aunt?) have died since last night. So now Easter is cancelled....for the Third year in a

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-64194581909772801022009-04-04T21:17:00.001-04:002009-04-04T21:17:24.655-04:00

Dave Matthews As long as he doesn't fart, it would be ok. :-P We could tell jokes to pass the time, talk about the upcoming tour, etc etc. Plus, I think he's not that bad to look at :)I've been stuck in an elevator with my hubby, and it was NOT a fun event....he and I are both on the claustrophic side. He was in a bad mood that day anyway; so much for fulfilling fantasies.

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-63297595785852254122009-03-30T21:22:00.001-04:002009-03-30T21:22:35.363-04:00

I'd just kicked my ex to the curb. He'd ruined my birthday (and life) for the last time. Just to prove that I could do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING by myself, I drove the 10 hour trip practically nonstop (practically being one stop to refuel/stretch legs/potty break). I left on a Friday night, met up with one of my best friends and celebrated my birthday and newfound freedom. Turned around and

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-66371954072831809952009-03-30T21:04:00.001-04:002009-03-30T21:04:46.001-04:00

Maybe these aren't overplayed on the radio so much as they are overplayed on my mp3 or my playlists on the computer... Robert Randolph and the Family Band by Ain't Nothing Wrong With That First heard it on Grey's Anatomy. Then I kept hearing it on my drive home from college (everyday for a month or so). The song was engrained in my

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-37590060291123143692009-03-29T18:52:00.001-04:002009-03-29T18:52:55.172-04:00

I'm the veterinarian's right hand! I am licensed to do everything except diagnose, prescribe medication, and perform surgery. Yes, I induce anesthesia....perform dental prophies....consult with owners on various concerns (such as behavioral problems, nutritional needs, heartworm prevention, etc)....order supplies for our clinic...work with critical cases (stabilizing the patient)...performing

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085103070982049869.post-88850705309577493042009-03-29T17:52:00.000-04:002009-03-29T17:56:09.157-04:00

My godfather sent this to me...."Stop motion musician". I thought I would have a seizure since it was stop motion cinematography. What I found interesting is at the very end - be sure to read it!http://www.yourdailymedia.com/media/1219746602/Stop_Motion_Musician

MadHat76http://www.blogger.com/profile/13536737656023794322noreply@blogger.com0