A Visit to The Newport Animal Clinic

After all that secretarial work, I really didn't do anything of consequence. I made a blueberry cobbler, some beef stew, and some french bread, and then Rebecca and I went to pick up Zeus. When I talked to the receptionist and told her who I was and that I was there to pick up Zeus, she said it would be just a few moments and that it would be forty-four dollars. Now, the pound was supposed to pay for his neutering, so I asked what that price was for. Then she handed me two bottles of pills, one tiny and one huge, and I had to ask her what they were for. I think she thought I was stupid because I asked her so many questions, but at that point, all I knew was that Zeus had been castrated and his leg and lump looked at. I didn't know if Dr. Westbrook had actually found anything. Anyway, we finally were called back into the examination room. There was Zeus, wearing a big, dopey, dreamy expression on his face. He slept on the floor while the Veterinarian explained everything to me. He said the lump on his side was just an injection-site reaction to his rabies vaccine, but that he gave him a shot while Zeus was still under to make that swelling go down. Zeus's leg though, was the result of some canine hip dysplasia, which was both genetic and injury-related in origin. Basically, some injury had occurred to his hip joint, which became inflamed, and then the ligaments tightened up, and then secondary arthritis set in, and then the cartilage began to break down. The pills he gave us would help with the condition, but it would take a very long time to cure. So, Rebecca and I brought Zeus home, and just as soon as he got out of the van, he peed for five minutes (I guess that area was tender, so he was being delicate about his actions). Zoey wanted to play, but Zeus wanted to lay down. And now he's fine, and he's shortly going to be receiving his post-surgery antibiotic, his joint supplement, and his pre-natal vitamin (it's what the Vet recommended for a canine vitamin without paying high prices for a 'canine vitamin'). He'll be easy to treat, though. All I have to do is stick something in front of his mouth and he eats it.

Whew!

A busy morning, by my standards. I woke up before Rebecca did (which is a first), and went outside to give Zeus a quick bath. After I did that, I brushed him and removed about ten brush-fulls of hair off of him, and he was still shedding! Today is the day that he gets 'clipped,' i.e. neutered. Mom and I took him to Dr. Westbrook's and asked them to take a look at his leg (the one that doesn't work correctly) and this lump on his side. Then we went home, Mom went back to work, and I sat here at the computer drinking my reheated coffee and reading a brilliant editorial on Dumbledore's trust in Snape from Mugglenet.com. Then I scheduled Zoey and appointment at Pet Docks to get a hot spot examined and to discuss her heart worm medication. Then I scheduled me an appointment at Dr. Wells' for my dental check-up. Then I called my Grandma to discuss a present she's having made for my next birthday (three months from yesterday!), but she didn't pick up, so I sent an email. Now I'm going to get some work done around here or risk feeling like a secretary all day.

Tweltfh Night, or what you will

I was granted the opportunity to see in its entirety the BBC's adaptation of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. I loved it. The story follows a set of orphaned twins, Viola and Sebastian, whose remarkable likeness to each other is the chief entertainment for their companions on their shipboard journey home. A storm comes and sinks their vessel, separating brother from sister, and each, believing the other to be dead, sets about making a new life in this foreign land, where Count Orsino rules and will have no woman come before him but the fair Olivia, who will none of his love. Thus, Viola shears off her hair and sheds her maidenly garments and becomes the slightly effeminate youth Cesario, who is no sooner met with the Count Orsino than she becomes his closest companion and is sent to woo the grieving Olivia into the Count's arms. When Olivia meets young Cesario, she is taken by 'his' youth, wit, good looks, cheek, and his lack of noble rank, for Olivia swears she will never marry above her station, that of a humble gentlewoman. Viola is taken aback when she learns of Olivia's love for her, but continues to woo Olivia for Orsino, whose love she would have herself if she could but throw off the guise of Cesario. Meanwhile, Sebastian makes his way to the lord of the land, Count Orsino, to seek work and a living, and is met with the usual delaying hardships along the way, until at last he comes to the fair Olivia's house. Olivia, having shed her cloth of mourning and sweetly begging Cesario to take of her love only to be kindly yet forcefully rebuffed, falls upon Sebastian and, believing him to be Cesario, is relieved beyond measure when he requites her love and binds it up in a holy band with her. Then is Orsino come to Viola's house with Cesario in tow to correct some slight. There Olivia meets Orsino, there she denies his offer all the while trying to speak with Cesario, whom she finally calls Husband. Orsino is shocked and saddened, but will not strike Cesario, while Cesario 'himself' is shocked to have such an outrageous claim laid at 'his' feet. Then out comes Sebastian, the twins meet, Viola sheds her manly costume, and it ends happily for all.

The play itself was a great read, and now that I have had the privilege of seeing it acted out, I love it all the more. One claim I can make of the BBC's adaptations of books and plays is that they are always faithful to the original text, and always do justice to the marvelous works they adapt. I would very much like to own this happy gem.

Lady in The Water

After missing this movie in the theater, I was extremely excited to have the opportunity to watch it on TV the other night. After viewing it once, I must honestly say that my excitement was not fully warranted. It was a good movie, short, and it was refreshingly clean. But the plot was just a little too far-fetched. Everyone believed this 'bedtime story' about the 'Blue World' and 'Narfs', etc, a little too easily. Where were the skeptics? The rational thinkers? Or, if the 'Lady in the water' had some strange power to render her story credible to the most disbelieving of skeptics, why didn't the director say so, or show that it was so? That said, M. Night Shyamalan has presented us with a fully connected, fully answered plot. All the 'I's' are dotted and the 't's' are crossed. And then you watch it again and see how Shymalan introduces key characters and plot elements with a similar masterful subtlety that JK Rowling uses introduce hers. And then it all comes together brilliantly for a very, very abbreviated and almost unsuspected ending. I was watching the film, waiting for what happened next, and then I was looking at the credits. It's worth watching once, and maybe twice, but I won't be owning it anytime soon.

More Harry Potter

I recently took the WOMBAT (Wizarding Ordinary Magical and Basic Aptitude Test), designed by JK Rowling, to mimic the OWL examination given in a wizards fifth year at Hogwarts. The grades are just like in the books: Outstanding, Exceeds Expectations, Acceptable, Poor, Dreadful, and Troll. The results came in today: I got Outstanding! I'm frankly quite shocked because the questions were so hard for me to answer, like match the correct minister of magic to the reason they left office and their term of office. I'd never heard of half of them. But I knew the spells and incantations, so that probably saved me. I feel just like Hermione!

Salt and Sun

Today was the day that the five of us here finally took TJ up on his offer and went for a ride and some fishing on his boat. Now that the initial trip is over, I hope many more will follow. It was AWESOME! The boat is a beauty - Key West - that's its name. She seats eight, but there was only the six of us there. TJ opened her up to get her into open waters and that was thrilling. I've never gone so fast on the water before! We passed under the Atlantic Beach bridge and then plodded through the no wake zone by the port, and then TJ opened her up again. After some fishing in shark-infested waters (the only things they caught were these tiny little sharks, barely a foot long), we moved to another area, where Dad caught the first and last 'real' fish, a lion fish. In lieu of touching it, he just cut the line and pushed it overboard (they're supposed to be poisonous). Then TJ pulled up in front of Shackleford Banks and we all (Dad excepted) took a swim and a walk on shore. Then it was time to head in (we'd been out for over four hours). Mom, Becca, and I sat up front and when TJ opened her up, we became airborne several times as we passed over boat wakes. That was the best part of all - the initial sighting of the cresting water, the knowledge that you're headed straight for it, the thrill as you hit it, and that one exhilarating second you spend floating in the air as the boat jumps back down. Then you come crashing down several inches to a foot away from where you were originally sitting, and your eyes return to the water looking for more turbulent waves.

Potter on The Brain

Today as Mom, Rebecca, and I were checking out of the Exchange, Mom called our attention to a magazine cover. Rebecca was quick to spot and fawn over a huge picture of Matthew McConaughey, playing in the surf wearing nothing but a smile from the waist up. What did Jessica notice? A two-inch by one-inch square squeezed in the upper right corner featuring the cover of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. I think I'm ready for the seventh book now.

In other news, I have been trying to buy the movie The Sixth Sense. I've looked in the Walmart near Clayton, the Walmart here, and the Exchange. Not one of those stores carried what could be one of the greatest stories ever told! OK, so that's a bit extreme, but I really liked the story, and I think Bruce Willis is an excellent actor (Yippee-ki-yay, Motherf*cker!). My next resort is to wait for Best Buy to open and check there, then On Cue, then somewhere else...

Can't Wait to Show Ya!

We have a new front door! And hopefully Dad will have time to install it tonight. If not, we'll think of something to cover the big gaping hole in the wall where Dad's desk used to be. When it's finished, I'll upload some before and after pictures.

Father's day has come and gone, and I think we did a pretty good job of it this year. The Thursday before my Grandma left (on Friday), we held a gag-father's day. We had bought a few gag gifts that ranged in severity from squeaky-clean melon ballers and lemon zesters to daringly racy just-for-men hair dye (which Dad has yet to use, although he claims he will on Thursday). We saw Grandma off to the airport on Friday, saw them confuse her tickets and luggage with somebody else's, and then heard from her on Saturday that even though New Bern said they'd fixed the snafu, the airline had lost her luggage (and six others on the same flight from LA to San Louis Obispo). Saturday, I also cut grass so we could enjoy some lawn-based fun activities on Father's day. Zoey is scared of the lawn mower, but that fear conflicts with her desire to play with the person on the lawn mower, which resulted in her running after me every time I turned a corner, a hopeful gleam glowing in her doggy eyes.

Sunday began somewhat late for me, or early, I should say, because I was up until two wrapping Dad's presents, cleaning the kitchen, and then wrapping a present for TJ's friend Theresa whose birthday happened to be that Sunday. Mom knew I was up late because we both got up to let Leo out of her and Dad's room at 1:30, which is why I think she let me sleep so late. The discussion during breakfast was quite deep. We talked about religion, homosexuality, abortion, and other controversial topics. Both parents called homosexuality unnatural, because it does not produce offspring. The said that marriage was between a man and a woman, and that they had no quarrel with civil unions for homosexuals and their partners. Then it was said that perhaps all the gays should just go move to Paris. I said all the Nazis should go back to Germany. Through this discussion, I politely differed on every count. I see no reason why we can't have gay marriage; I don't see it as a threat to the sanctity of marriage, although I am not married and know nothing personally of the sanctity of marriage. I asked who said marriage was just between a man and a woman; the bible, biblical times. And sodomy and buggery have been crimes in most societies ever since and before biblical times. OK, but they've still occurred, with almost the same frequency as heterosexual relations, so how unnatural are they? And if we gave homosexuals and their partners the same rights as married heterosexuals - spousal health insurance coverage for starters - I don't think the system would become abused. I'm sure no heterosexual couples would ever try to hoodwink the system just to get that insurance or tax break or what-have-you. I don't think homosexuals are going to Hell, I'm not even sure I believe in Hell, but I certainly do not believe anyone who would condemn a person just because of their sexual orientation. And, as George Carlin put it in regards to abortion, the conservative right-to-lifers condemn abortion and condemn gays. But homosexuals are one group of people almost guaranteed to never have an abortion. How crazy is that? And then we talked about religion, and how certain faiths condemn any person who is not part of the faith or leaves the faith to death. I said that that may be true, but there are people in every religion (not many, mind you, but some) who believe that any person who does not follow their faith is going to Hell and doesn't deserve God's love (I happened to meet one, who told me quite kindly that both of his parents were going to Hell because they had not accepted Jesus Christ as their savior). Anyway, I'm quite a bit more liberal than either of my parents on social matters. I will not support amendments that ban gay marriage or ban first trimester abortions. I don't believe a person will go to Hell because they do not believe in the same God or Gods I believe in. People can believe what they want, and more power to them for sticking to their beliefs, but when they try to enforce those beliefs on me, then it becomes a problem. These are all reasons why I left the College Republicans and refuse to join the College Democrats. Rebecca registered to vote, and guess what party she put down...Independent.

After breakfast, I set up an extreme croquet course (which is still intact, should anyone want to play). When TJ and Theresa arrived, we played some croquet (Mom won). Then, we played badminton until dinner, and after dinner, we played another round of extreme croquet (TJ won, I got first loser). Then it was time for presents - we didn't overdo it this year - just some books (including a Jeffrey Deaver I am quite keen to get my hands on), some movies, and a push-mower. We bought Theresa a set of pale-purple lavender blossom Yankee candles. She loved them! Then it was goodbye and goodnight.

Zeus and Zoey

We have two dogs now, and as promised, I have uploaded a picture of Zoey. You have no idea how hard it was to get her to sit still for two seconds just so I could snap this picture! Rebecca and I took her to the vet this morning to get her stitches removed and her hot spots examined. She weighs 68.6lbs! That's huge! No wonder she was able to tackle Becca and knock her to the ground! She's like a bear, and when she runs, she sounds like a horse. And, man, is she fast! I've never seen a dog run so fast, or play fetch so enthusiastically (although she doesn't like relinquishing the fetched item), or ride in the van so calmly. And she loves to play with Zeus - she teases him, holds her toys out just daring him to try and grab one, and then plays tug of war with him (she even dragged him down the steps once). A merry spirit and a welcome addition!

A Visit to Tryon Palace

Graduation Weekend

Before I get started, check out the video below this post. My camera's battery was almost dead, so that's why Becca tends to sound like Minnie Mouse at times. Rebecca's graduation went off without a hitch. Grandma and I worked in the kitchen getting everything ready to serve or cook and then serve when we got back from the ceremony. I was folding won tons half an hour before it was time to leave. Somehow I managed to get a shower and then get dressed and ready to go in thirty minutes. Then, we found seats in the already cramped and warm gymnasium, and waited forty-five minutes for the ceremony to start. We were seated literally seven feet from Rebecca, so we could watch her the entire ceremony (actually, we watched the side of her face the whole time, she never would look at us). Then she got up and gave her speech as Salutatorian. It was a good speech - much better than the Valedictorian's, anyway. The conclusion of the speech was pure genius - we don't know what our future will bring, but we certainly need to bring an education to our future. Then she walked across the stage and accepted her diploma, and at around 8:30, we went home. TJ and Grandma watched from the auditorium, lucky dogs - they had air conditioning and back support!

Anyway, home we went and took a few pictures (which I will post as soon as they undergo a little editing). Then everyone else went to change clothes and I worked on getting food ready. The weird thing, looking back, is that I was afraid we wouldn't have enough food. But I didn't even make the tempura chicken or the chocolate won tons, and we were perfectly stuffed. Then we sat around the table, eating and talking until one in the morning. That's when Mom and Dad had to turn in, and the rest of us adjourned to the porch so Calvin could meet Zeus.

The next day, we set up the badminton net and some camp chairs in preparation for the day's festivities. Mom and Dad picked up Zoey (our new, gigantic black lab whose picture I will post shortly). She came with bags of stuff, including a large sleeping pallet. Dad handed her off to me, instructing me to put her leash around my wrist and then to grip it. No sooner had I done so than she started dragging me around the yard. She's a big dog - around sixty pounds (the largest we've ever had). She wouldn't listen to me as I called out her name, trying to get her to stop (she was walking me around the yard!). Anyway, I unleashed her and off she ran, Zeus not far behind her. Zeus was looking at her like he didn't know what she was, and he certainly did not like the attention she seemed to steal from her.

They still battle for attention, but I think they'll make fast friends. And once Zoey got used to us, she became a right bundle of energy! We've never had a dog that would play fetch before, but Zoey loves it! Mom had a frisbee, which she waved in front of Zoey, and then threw it. Zoey was off like a rocket (I've never seen a dog run so fast!), and grabbed the frisbee, and brought it back. It's so weird - she's just like Scrappy - a little short, black, loves her belly rubbed, and is full of little bursts of energy. And Zeus - he's just like Bonnie - laid back, yellow, sweet, loves attention, and lies around most of the day. It's like we have them back.

Last night, Grandma read our fortunes with a deck of cards. Both times she read my fortune, the cards said I had lots of money coming to me (represented by diamond number cards). Also, I had a great love and marriage in my future, but it was with someone I knew now. Hmmm. Every one was quite keen on making suggestions. I'm only grateful that Kim wasn't there - the conversation would have never died! Just kidding, Kim!

Rebecca's Salutatorian Address

(It works now)

Cowabunga!

I went to the beach for the first time this summer today. Actually, the excursion started out as a trip to the Hancock pool at the base. I checked out Cherry Point's website earlier and it said the pool was open from noon to seven pm. So, we loaded up in the van and Becca drove us there. We get there, and the sign says they're open from four to seven pm. So, we turn around, pass home, and go to the beach, which is where we wanted to go in the first place except Grandma Betty preferred the pool. Becca and I were the only ones to play in the waves, but boy was it fun! I had forgotten the thrill of a wave crashing over my head, the surf pounding in my ears - it was wonderful. I rode a few waves into shore and that was amazing! There is nothing quite like feeling the magnificent and raw power of a wave pick you up and carry you as if you were one being - it's just so cool! But I think they were rogue waves - in the sense that they acted as rogues do - trying to disrobe my sister and myself, how rude! Anyway, that was that. We went home and I got dinner started and made the best spaghetti sauce I've ever made with some pretty good French bread. And then Rebecca goes to fill up Mom's van with gas, and Rob goes with her to fill up a separate container so I can have gas to cut grass tomorrow. Rob took the Shell card to pay for the gas he pumped into the container, and then lays the card on the pump, and promptly forgets about it. He gets in the van and asks Becca if he gave the card to her. To make a long story short, Dad drove up there and the three of them searched the area and couldn't find a trace of it. Dad was pissed, and everyone else was disappointed to say the least. Dad had to cancel the card and send for a new one. Was Rob sorry? Well, let's just say the word never passed his lips, and no hint of remorse ever graced his countenance. I'm going to leave it at that because if I don't, I'll say what I really think, and they're aren't enough special keys to block out my expletives. I just hope something changes in his attitude and mind and personality before I'm driven to do something violent; and don't think I won't.

In other news, Rebecca is Salutatorian (it's not quite official yet, but we're pretty certain). I helped her write her speech yesterday, and we're both quite happy with it. I'm hoping to catch it on video and then post it here so you can see it. I can't wait!

Zeus

Sigh

Busy day. The first thing I did this morning was visit Zeus out on the front porch. He's just a puppy, and he'll follow you anywhere, but he doesn't do any exploring unless you go with him. He just sits on the porch. And I think that there might be something wrong with his back legs - a malformation of some sorts - because they are noticeably weak. Zeus doesn't run, he rarely barks, he won't eat unless you're there to watch him eat (and that scares me). But I love him, so that's that. He's so sweet! If he's left alone for a while, he whines for a bit when you come back. If you sit next to him, he lays next to you and flops his head in your lap while pawing the air. He's just so dog-gone cute!

My Grandmother is visiting (for Rebecca's graduation). She keeps dropping hints about someone going back to California with her, or going to Spain with her over the summer, or going to my cousin Brad's wedding in August. That's all well and good, but it's not the family she's inviting - it's me, or my Mom, or the girls, or my Mom and the kids. That's what really gets me - I feel that Grandma excludes my Dad. She didn't invite him to Disney World when she took my Mom and us kids (and she didn't invite Darren either!). She didn't invite Dad to go to New York City with my Mom and us kids one summer. And she's not inviting my Dad to go to this wedding. It's like he doesn't matter. And Mom lets he get away with it! But I'm putting my foot down: if Dad doesn't go, I'm not going, end of story.

We went and sat for some family pictures today at Sears. I just don't get all the pomp for pictures - it's just a picture, and shouldn't people want to see you just as you are? Why do you have to get all dressed up? Dad wore a suit and tie! I was dressed in jeans, sewing up my sleeves as he walks out all nice and dandy. Becca walks in wearing pinstripe slacks and a nice top, Rob's wearing a shirt and tie with slacks, Mom's wearing slacks and a coat and blouse. Grandma's wearing a nice shirt and slacks. I'm wearing a faded glory button up shirt, jeans, and sandals. So I changed my clothes just before we left. I just don't get it! I absolutely hate wearing anything but jeans when I leave the house - no slacks, no khakis, no skirts, no dresses (except for occasions where I'm a bridesmaid), just jeans, and preferably a T-shirt. I don't look bad and I'm comfortable, so why bother with slacks and some fancy, non-functional, non-durable blouse? I never have any qualms about getting down and dirty and wrestling with the dog or doing something of the like, but I can't do it in fancy-smancy clothes. That's that rant over with.

We went to El Cerro Grande for dinner - it was their 3rd anniversary and they had a Mariachi band and all drinks one-half price. Needless to say, there was a crowd. I had the carne con papas, and if you ever want a spicy dish - that's the ticket right there. Four glasses of iced tea into the meal and I was only half way through with the beef tips. Spicy!

Greek Life

We got a dog!!!! His name is Zeus! Yes, it's a boy. Mom and Dad went to the shelter first thing this morning to look at Boo Boo. They said she was older than 3 years and although she was sweet and affectionate, she just wasn't for us. They then walked up and down the kennel rows looking at all the dogs and after passing Zeus three or four times, they asked for his story. Someone had left him tied to the gates of the shelter a few days ago, no name, no anything. He was very affectionate and sweet and didn't bark - he was very quiet - which is what my parents really liked about him, so they brought him home. You can tell he isn't quite fully grown because his paws and legs are a little too big for him, and he's a bit gangly. Dr. Westbrook said that he was probably only six months, even if he is 53lbs! That's more than Bonnie weighed at her heaviest! Zeus looks just like Bonnie - a cross between a Chesapeake bay retriever and a yellow Labrador retriever - I swear, if you catch him in the right light, you'd think it was Bonnie. I've given him a bath and some heart worm medicine. Tomorrow, he gets K9 advantix. He loves the pond! He spent quite some time in there, chasing dragonflies in and out of the water. I'm just so happy! And soon, he's getting a companion - Zoey! She was the wild card on yesterday's list, but Mom and Dad went to see her after learning that Blondie's foster family had adopted her, and they said that Zoey was just beautiful! She's a black Labrador retriever and she's gorgeous. When we get them both, I'll post up pictures. They both have to be fixed first before they meet - he's an un-neutered male, she's an un-fixed female - and we don't want anymore puppies! Well, Zeus is still practically a puppy, and so cute!