BIG RED

The old red truck came out of the "weakie barn" (named after the kittens who reside inside) last week. Nicknamed Big Red, he hauled our beloved Byron to Mackinaw Island and Apple Pi Sir Joshua to Virginia, both trips filled with cherished memories.

Never driven in the snow and garage kept, he just turned over 16,270 miles...not bad for a 1988. Removing the old Duraliner was filled with suspense since we were a bit worried about the condition of the truck bed underneath. It was great, just some scuff marks.

New tires was the first expense for Big Red, since he still had the original "shoes", which are no longer in production. They still held air, but looked a bit dry. Down to Belle Tire and we replaced the 16" with 18" chrome. Wow. Instead of "lfiting" the truck, the new wheels and tires or "tars" if you are from Virginia,
make it look very tough.

Driving BR home, he didn't feel right. A trip to Fix n' Go was my next stop. Told Joe that it felt like the rear brake calipers were not working. Sure enough, not bad for a girl, right on the money.

It's Sunday and two drive-by welfare checks have been made to be sure my truck is safe at the repair shop. I can't wait to get him back.

Motorcycles have become a large part of our lives over the past few years and now we have decided to make a few changes. Since every inexperienced driver in the world has decided that "texting" is the most important thing and no call can wait, riding a motorcycle has become a real challenge. Just last week, I had a young gal bring her entire "mom's" SUV into my lane. She made no effort to move until I nearly beat my truck horn into submission. I'm not thrilled about selling my 2006 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic, with more chrome doo-dads than anyone should have, but it's time. I'll miss him! This does not mean that I will no longer be part of the Ray C's Harley Davidson family, no way. They have done so much for us over the years and we are so very greatful.
I will always have my awesome 1999 HD Road King, the old police bike, with lots of fringe! This bike has a real personality. I have been all over the United States with this one and he is really a great partner. (pictured on the face page of this blog)

All Star Game

What in the world was I doing playing shortstop? Derek Jeter I am not, but it was such an honor to have the ladies on the church team select me to represent our team! We are undefeated and third base is my usual spot. I've never played short in my life...what a thrill. Shannon and I had such fun as our coaches and team members came to cheer. It was such fun, reminding me of many years ago when I played and neighborhood folks came to watch at the old Halbach Field in Rochester.

No Hoarding Here!

On Thursday evening, July 22, we were on the way to another softball game. Less than three miles from the house, a small yellow kitten ran out in front of our Escape.
He darted out, saw the car and ran back into the grass where I found him crying.
He weighed 1 pound, when we took him to the vet the following day. Seriously dehydrated, the vet was doubtful of his survival. We prayed.

After fluids and some TLC, we brought him home. For the near future, he is quarantined to the barn tack room until he receives a clean bill of health. Now, almost 2 pounds, he's a wild man! His name is Christian, after the famous lion who was returned to the wild after he was purchased from a London department store.

We now have a dozen kitties, each with his/her story of rescue! I AM THE LITTER BOX QUEEN mum.

(Google: Christian the lion and see the video...bring a kleenex, it's awesome)

Olivia has been swimming with her new vest at the Bark Park and loving every minute?
I keep telling her to think of her swimming as if she were crossing the Rio Grande.

Olivia is a star

I took Olivia to the Oakland County Bark Park in Orion where they have a dog dock for the poopers to go for a swim. The retrievers were jumping, splashing, fetching balls and shaking off the water. Olivia took a jump into the water by accident and like a yo-yo, she was plucked from the water by her leash/harness.
Now, we have a swim vest for her. She is placed in the water and looks like a Mexican crossing the Rio Grande...afterall, she is part chihuahua!The leash snaps on the vest and it's a great way to help her swim.
I sent a picture of O. in her new vest to the web site and she is now in their ad.



http://www.hunterk9.com/site/870877/product/590

CHECK HER OUT !

Some Justice for Ruby!!!

Finally, Ty-Shawn Bost is sentenced to jail for the burglary of a Roseville home, where he murdered a helpless kitten named Ruby. In September, 2009, Bost broke into a home and while searching for valuables, he placed Ruby in the washing machine and started the cycle. The kitten didn't stand a chance and died as a result.
The miniscule amount of jail time this worthless piece of crap will spend in jail doesn't even begin to meet what I would like to see happen to him. It is somewhat of a surprise that he received any time at all for this crime. Most burglaries are treated as harmless property crimes and probation is the sentence. Let's hope that the media attention this case received caused the judge to take notice!
The coverage of the Ty-Shawn Bost case was carried by Channel 7 and when I saw it this evening, there were tears of joy! She was not just a kitten!