Trauma (trô'mə) (n.):an experience that produces psychological injury or pain.

The last few days have been traumatic to say the very very least. While camping a drunk man wandered onto our campsite walking an American pit bull Labrador mix. The dog attacked our older dog, Cooper and Guy got bit in the process.

Cooper sustained extensive injuries but thanks to all involved (minus the attacking dog and her drunk handler) he is alive. His bottom jaw was completely shattered and he had a compound fracture. The veterinary doctors at the emergency hospital fixed him up and nearly $3,000 later our boy is at home resting and recuperating. We have been referring to him as Frankenmutt. Its obvious he's exhausted but there are moments when there is no doubt he is happy to be home and we couldn't be more ecstatic to have little boy blue home. His face is pretty messed up and its made even more evident because there is no hair to cover his stitches and his jaw is crooked. But, he's alive, has no spinal, brain, heart or lung damage like they originally feared. He has eaten his first meal in many days and I can't even express how truly calming it is to know he has some nourishment.

Guy is fine other than having a torn up hand, an allergic reaction to the tetanus shot and contracting some sort of bacterial infection. Unfortunately because he missed two days of work he was let go. Now he is unemployed and we are seriously crunched for money.

Side Note: This is not an attack on pitbulls. In fact, I have an affinity for the breed and think they can be wonderful family pets when trained properly and handled with care. Because of their size and strength when they do bite they can cause great damage. In this case the situation was faulty to begin with, the man handling the dog was not her owner, was intoxicated and obviously not familiar with the dog's behavior. The family is paying for the damages over a 4 month span.

Before and After

Chad: of English Origin, meaning From the Warrior's Town

This is Chad Vader. Like his brother he had an unfortunate volcano accident. This is one of many fan produced videos that can be see at BlameSociety.net

Vote(vōt) (n.) :a formal expression of opinion or choice, either positive or negative, made by an individual or body of individuals.

I've never been quiet about my political beliefs and I won't start now. People are always afraid to affix themselves to one political party or another. Politics are taboo and yet our politics tell a lot about who we are and what is important to us. There has been some interest in how I am voting in November's upcoming election. This is where I stand. The ones I talk about here are the ones most important to me in this election.

For President/Vice President : Obama and Biden

Obama has been my first choice during this entire election. I feel some of Hillary's promises were unrealistic, especially her time line for Iraq. Obama inspires hope in me, while I fear what will happen in and because of this country if McCain is elected. There are of course things I don't agree with Biden's privacy policy being one but there are many many things that would make in impossible to vote for McCain and Palin.

California Props:

Prop. 1: A Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act for the 21st Century.

My Vote: Yes
Why: We need more safe, quick reliable transportation that doesn't rely on finite natural resources and continue to lease us to foreign oil. This would also relieve congestion on the freeways and allow safer freeway travel as a result.

Prop 2: Treatment of Farm Animals.

My Vote: Yes
Why: Humane treatment of all animals is close to my heart. I am not a vegetarian. I eat meat but while that animal is alive I believe it should have the best quality of life possible. This proposition also includes animals not used for the sole purpose of food who might otherwise spend their entire lives in cages too small for them to turn around it. No animal need suffer at the hand of people to lazy to heed the responsibility taken on when owning an animal.

Prop 3: Children’s Hospital Bond Act. Grant Program.

My Vote: Yes
Why: My brother is currently the resident of a California Children's Hospital. Every week I see children who need this bond to save their lives.

Prop 4: Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor’s Pregnancy

My Vote: No
Why: I believe in a woman's right to chose, always, regardless of age. This kind of stuff is where botched abortions and dead teenagers begin to pop up. No woman should be forced to have other people making decisions about their bodies especially when it comes to something so sacred as bringing another person into this world.

Prop 8: Limit on Marriage. Constitutional Amendment.

My Vote: No
Why: Love is love. It knows no gender. America is built on the principle of equality and such principles need extend beyond class, race, gender and yet sexual orientation. Gay and lesbian couples deserve the same title and rights as straight couples.

Prince (prĭns) (n):A male member of a royal family other than the monarch, especially a son of the monarch.

"Prince John"

This is Prince John, a miniature schnauzer poodle mix that my parents rescued this summer. He is the sweetest dog. I took this picture of him not to long ago and really like it.

Camping (kāmp-ing)(v.): Lodging in a camp.

I am using this as sort of a thought gathering sheet for camping and informational source for all. For those going for sure we would appreciate it if you would chose a meal to supply food for and let me know what it is so I can update it. It would also be nice if everyone would chip in a couple of dollars toward the fee site which was $60. Thanks!

Where:
Sweetwater Summit
3218 Summit Meadow Road
Bonita, CA 91902
Sites 59&60

When:
October 18th 2PM through October 19th 1PM

Who:
Rachel
Guy
Cooper
Scout
Damien
Matt
Michael
Alma

Meals.
10.18.08
Lunch: Alma

Dinner:

10.19.08
Breakfast: Rachel and Guy
Camping Breakfast -> Ham and cheese sandwiches on Hawaiian rolls, cooked on the camping stove to perfection. Fresh fruit selection. Bagels and Cream Cheese.

Lunch:

Snacks

Laundromat (lôn'drə-māt') (n.): A service mark used for a commercial establishment equipped with washing machines and dryers, usually coin-operated

Love at the Laundromat
By Geoff Sansom


Down at the
laundromat
I'm watching
my clothes
tumble
and dry in
the steamy heat
grappling and groping
with each other
I watch my socks
fondle the underwear
while my shirt
embraces
the legs of my jeans,
and every item
seems to be
getting it on
with the sheets
throwing a discreet cover
over everything -
and I wonder
about all this embracing
and why what I wear
does not hug me so hard
nor caress with such care.

Scout (skout) (n.) :A watcher or sentinel.

This is Scout. She is a 5 month old miniature schnauzer (aka little hellfire). Don't let the innocent face fool you. She spends most of her time driving older brother Cooper completely nuts. So far she has been testing our patience and burrowing her way deep into our hearts. We absolutely love our new addition.

PS: sorry for the sort of terrible picture. She doesn't sit still for very long.