Happy Halloween!

Fluffy gets his 15 minutes of fame...see him on CNN at:
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-131264

Using my hands all the time like I do (drawing, painting and clicking the computer mouse especially) has finally taken its toll on me. I've pulled up lame, lol, so to speak. The tendons in my right wrist have gotten mad and become very swollen, OUCH, shooting pain up the side of my arm. I've been careful to respect the carpal tunnels in my hands, knowing people in the past who actually had surgeries to fix those things. This is wrist tendonitis, in other words, overuse of the hand makes your wrist swell up. The answer, don't use your hand, keep it steady (don't bend or flex, hold strait), ice packs (keep 'em coming), and aspirin. Some have surgeries on the hand for this but no way. If taken care of properly, it heals. So, I'm respecting the wrist and am holding off from much use of it while it repairs itself. Here's more information on tendonitis:

http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/handwristsurgery/a/wristtendonitis.htm

So, I'm kicking back, checking my internet art sales, watching the Ghost Hunters marathon (great show) on SciFi Channel and cruising the net with my left hand. I just ordered a wrist splint off Amazon.com, to keep this from happening again in the future. I'm VERY careful of my hands, so if I can get this, anyone can. No big deal, it will heal and life goes on. Like the bad back I had last year, it pays to learn how to not repeat mistsakes that lead up to orthopedic situations. From the age of forty onwards it has been important to preserve these things..darn it. I feel like a kid but have the body of a middle aged woman. Here's to fighting aging any way possible! The back is doing fine now, and the hand will be ok, too. An overdue, body-enforced "vacation"!

Oh yeah, today is Halloween...Happy Halloween, everyone!. There aren't any children in this development so I'm pretty sure there won't be any trick-or-treaters tonight. If anyone shows up, I'll give them a few cookies (baked some last night).

Remember Terry Tate? LOL

I didn't until I saw this! If you don't then this will refresh your memory, this is too funny.



I think we need to unleash Terry Tate in the current White House administration. Fifty points for a Bush tackle, a hundred for a Cheney takedown :D

The original Terry Tate Reebok commercial:

Bill Clinton Hits it Out of the Ballpark

An excellent speech by Bill Clinton here in Florida last night. Compare Clinton's speeches to George Bush's and McCain's. Big difference. He gets to the point and gives examples. Who cares about Clinton's past indescretions. He knew how to run this country, Bush knew how to bring it down. Rock that vote, Bill!

Funny Political Cartoons

Since the Presidential Election is only days away, and it's turned into a slugfest of words and insanity.. it's only fitting to add some humorous political stuff found on the internet, especially (of course) SNL and the talented cartoonists at Slate.com:












This is one non-stop political free-for-all at this point on Florida television. Living in a highly influential area of Florida, the "corridor" that politicians and the media are centered upon, it's a hotbed of signs, potshots and mayhem. Fascinating. I've got a pot of coffee brewed, CNN on tv and am watching the whole thing as I work. With a true life cast of characters like Joe the Plumber, McCain and Palin, who needs movies, sitcoms, soaps and the like?! Nobody could write a plot this engaging, or make this stuff up.

The absentee ballot is going in the mail tonight and I'm watching Barack Obama's half hour advertisement on tv later on. I'm just going with the flow and watching the fireworks fly. When this is over, Florida will be piled deep in campaign signs and everyone is going to be dazed and confused. Life as usual, what is that?? I'll be celebrating, though, if Barack Obama wins. He is intelligent, cool headed and focused..excellent attributes for the leader of the free world. Just ask Colin Powell, a Republican, the New York Times and just about everyone else. It'll probably be a very close race though, so till then, I'm watching..

SNL Did it Again, More Funny Political Skits

Here's another one:



Keep it up, SNL, this has to be the funniest election ever. Saturday Night Live is really going to miss certain politicians when the Presidential election is over.

Remembering My Blackie

Today I worked on a comforting music playlist for my Pet Grief Support Group home page. I started the group awhile ago and it now has nearly 500 members, all hurting from the loss of a pet. I compiled a bunch of songs that are hopefully helpful to them, and posted it on the site's page:
http://aspcacommunity.ning.com/group/petmemorialgroup

A year ago, I lost my precious Blackie about ths time, the furry little love of my life. His ashes sit in an urn here on my desk. A tugging pain is still inside me at hs loss but through help of friends and starting this group, I'm as good as I can be. It's comforting to know he's with me in spirit, somewhere. Blackie was more human than cat in many ways. My parents and friends were always blown away by how much he loved me, followed me everywhere and was inconsolable when I went on trips. He loved food, all food, even ice. He loved Starbucks Caramel Frappucinos. If he'd been human, he'd have been a food critic or connoisseur. I'm thinking of you, my little buddy, and miss you very much!!!


It's dark and slightly rainy here in Florida, which is great. I love rainy days. The wind is blowing into my condo and it's cool. This is the beginning of cooler temperatures down here in Florida, my favorite time of year. The cats sit in the windows, glad to have them open so they can smell the great outdoors. I give them love and support so they never again know neglect or abuse. They came from abusive situations, and are survivors. I do my best to lead a peaceful life. No fighting, screaming, craziness or drama. Just peace, unless Beau decides to let loose with one of his spontaneous cat operas (usually in the middle of the night). Hehe.

Holiday gift ideas for animal and garden lovers

Click on items below or go to our large online store at:
http://www.cafepress.com/twopurringcats



Two Purring Cats Design Studio:
Creative and artistic clothing and gifts for pet, wildlife, garden, undersea and other nature lovers.
http://www.cafepress.com/twopurringcats

Two Purring Cats Studio Gifts at Zazzle:
Artistic shoes, skateboards, clothing, postage, posters and more for the whole family.
http://www.zazzle.com/twopurringcats

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Here's to Old Friends and Fun Times Together

Today I watched "Sex in the City" movie on Pay per View. I never saw the series before but the movie caught me up on who these women were and what they did. I guess it never appealed to me because Jimmy Choos and haute couture are way out of my price range, and I've never lived in New York city (just upstate during college, which is vastly different). I appreciate shopping, culture and class, but never liked Sushi or freaky hats. Still, this movie was great. It turned out to be more down to earth than I thought it would be and more relatable than expected. Who knew?!

Thinking back to my twenties and thirties, those carefree days of shopping mania, dressing up, going out and having fun with friends more than being serious about hard work, it was a whole lot of fun. I miss my Ohio female friends, like sisters to me, and the impromptu breakfasts at Perkins Pancakes at 2am (after going dancing at our favorite restaurant/nightclub, "Bomber", aka 100th Bomb Group). Linda Yee is like a sister to me, hopefully she'll get down here to Florida for a visit sometime. My moving away took me away from my great friends, the price paid for being adventurous and sometimes overly independent.

Now, my life is more grounded, focused hard on my business and that's ok. In the back of my mind, I'd like to get my old friends down here and go out to dinner, clubs and Sunday brunch. All of us have moved away, gotten married or other things. I never lost caring for any of my real friends, and will look up some when I visit Cleveland sometime. Boyfriends and husbands came and went, a mix of good and bad, but female friends were always a given. Watching this movie reminded me of those old times.

Today, in Florida's laid back atmosphere, dressing up is less necessary. I prefer shopping online to going to malls most of the time. It's less of a priority at this point, but the shopping gene is still there. My hair or nails aren't done as often as in earlier days but it's ok. It's kind of relaxing to just be in a natural environment, yet still big city in feel. My conquests now are taking great animal photos, finding new and interesting restaurants and attractions and just relaxing near the ocean. Still, that inner "wild child" is there. My brain isn't wired to feel older, that's no fun :) My friends are the same. Whenever work permits and it's safer to travel, it'll be time to travel abroad again - back to visit Mexico, England and hopefully Europe. Life is for living to the fullest. Sometimes it means working really hard, and others it means playing hard. I've been fortunate enough to be able to do both, and for that I'm grateful.

If you get a chance, see "Sex in the City". It may surprise you. It's not just about fashion and buying stuff. And, like me, it may spark great memories of fun times in days gone by with great friends.

A Christms Cat Tree Card
by
twopurringcats

Get this custom card at Zazzle

A Little of This and That

Beau, my furry little helper, sound asleep on my desk.


Wednesday, October 9

The weather here in Florida is beginning to cool down, and it only gets better from here. Today I turned off the AC and opened all the windows, it was great having a breeze and not being blasted with thick, hot air. The lake is peaceful and calm here, and now with the windows open, I can hear the birds sing and feel the breeze. The cats sat in the windows, watching the critters on the lake. Now that we moved to this condo, this lake is better than the other due to I can see right into this lake. The old place had a spectacular view but there was a drop so I couldn't see the shoreline up close. This is much better. We don't have alligators at our lake, just lots of turtles and birds of different kinds. I saw two smallish egrets, one blule and one white, doing a mating dance right in front of my window! There was no time to get the camera, but it was just like something out of National Geographic. They butted eachother in the chests and hopped/flied up and down. Amazing. I'm keeping my camera next to the picture windows there so I can get a shot if by some miracle it happens again. I love Florida, wildlife in Ohio never did anything like this.

Still, I miss Ohio, the beautiful fall season, going for cider at the fruit farm my parents always go to, maple syrup festivals, things like that. Down here there's parties, festivals and concerts everywhere, at all times. It's nice but how I'd like to get back to Cleveland and go to a Michael Stanley Band concert (I doubt the band is still together but I always liked them in my younger years.) I may be older somewhat but not in spirit. I'm stil the big kid who likes adventure and rock music. The Eagles are coming here, and I plan on going to that concert. Great band.

I'm working on a bunch of drawings as I watch tv and talk to people. On CNN, reporters analyze and then re-analyze last night's Presidential candidate debate. Obama did great, McCain came across as unfriendly, and was clearly out to make Barack Obama look bad. He didn't, of course, but he did make himself look like a whiner by ragging on him so much. Obama took the high road, not letting him get to him. At the end it was interesting how the Obamas stayed and shook hands with the public, while the McCains got the heck out of there fast. Cindy McCain stood there looking uncomfortable, with her arms clasped behind her back so she didn't have to shake anyones' hands. McCain himself shook a few hands but not many, and kind of avoided being in the middle of the crowd. It was nice to see the Obamas relate with everyone. They care, and show it. This is no time to be elitist with the public, so no wonder Obama won the debate in the end. It's fascinating, and history in the making.

Now I'm watching Nancy Grace slice and dice that notorious mother, Casey Anthony. I hope she goes to prison and stays there, since that poor little girl Kaylie seems to be deceased by now. How could a mother be homicidal against her own child. It's beyond comprehension. This girl was out partying after Kaylie disappeared. Wrong on sooo many levels. Put her in jail with OJ, and throw away the key. My two cents.

In order to be a little healthier about snacking, I tried something that actually turned out really good...Cheesecake flavored yogurt. Instead of buying a tiny little yoplait for some insane price, I buy the large size carton of Dannon Nonfat Vanilla. This time I stirred in a package of Jello Cheesecake filling (in the pudding mix section) and it tastes like cheesecake but without a big, fattening block of cream cheese. Only God knows what's in the mix but a little packet flavors an entire container, good for a weeks' worth of fairly healthy snacking. It's a good thing.

Back to work on this drawing now, with coffee in hand,

Carolyn

Animal Lovers Blog Carnival October Edition

Welcome to the October 6, 2008 edition of Animal Lovers Carnival.

LovePets4Ever presents Feline High-Rise Syndrome posted at LovePets4Ever Weblog.
Jamie McIntosh presents Protect Songbirds from Cats posted at Jamie's Blog.
GrrlScientist presents Hebridean Black-faced Sheep posted at Living the Scientific Life.
GrrlScientist presents The Amazing Hook-Nosed Sea Pig posted at Living the Scientific Life (Scientist, Interrupted)
Jason Rusch presents What You Should Know About AKC Boxer Puppies posted at boxerdogessentials.com
Jason Rusch presents Choosing a Boxer Dog Name posted at boxerdogessentials.com.
Jason Rusch presents Boxer Dog Obedience Training Tips posted at Boxer Dog Training Information.
Naomi Stevens presents BUY YOUR CHILD A DOG FOR BETTER EXAM RESULTS posted at Diary From England.
amanda s presents Peanut Butter Pitbull posted at Startup Fiance.
dan smith presents Dog Training And Health Care posted at Dog Training And Health Care.

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of
animal lovers carnival

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animal lovers carnival, blog carnival.

more animals

Political Stuff Found on the Net :D

If you like this flow chart, then get it on a t-shirt at:

http://www.cafepress.com/adennak
(The very clever folks who came up with it in the first place.) Why can't I think stuff like this up for my shirts??!