Thursday, December 31

Gone....

It is with great sadness and a broken heart that I share that at 748 this morning Schatzie was suddenly called to the Rainbow Bridge.  She had been sick since Monday and was in some sort of distress which is still unknown to us. She passed away with Ron at her side and no longer is in pain. Ironically, today was also Schatzie's 9th Gotcha Day.


12/31/2006 to 12/31/2015

Run free my big sweet goof ball, we shall miss you.

Tuesday, December 29

Public Service Announcement...

You may remember about 10 days ago we rushed Gracie to the vet, she was unable to walk, panting, white gums and very lethargic. I honestly thought she was going to die. We had all sorts of tests run, including full blood panel, ECG, and full body exam. All of these tests came back well within the normal ranges.  We were perplexed as to what was causing these scary symptoms.  Finding nothing the vet sent us home and requested we return 3 days later.  Gracie had another exam and blood pressure and heart rate monitored (the machines were not working correctly at the first visit) in addition we had full body x-rays. At this exam I would say Gracie was 95% back to her old self. The x-rays showed no concerns (by now she probably passed the problem) and she even thought her megasophagus was good. Wow, we continued to be puzzled.  We paid the bill and went home.

Why a Public Service Announcement??? Here's why!!  Today while searching social media I found this:

Seems these Milk Bone dental chews are causing some dogs to have the following reactions: lethargic, difficulty in walking, panting, loss of appetite.  Hmm... sounds familiar  doesn't it??

We had some of these chews--in fact I had given Gracie two of them within the last month. The first one was over 3 weeks ago. Gracie had some of the same symptoms but not as severe and I just thought she had a tummy ache. The 2nd treat was given a day or two before her emergency visit.  It wasn't until today that I realized the events were probably related.

 In my google frenzy, I found others that have given these to their dogs have had to have emergency surgery to remove the chew from the intestine, some have died!! The chew does not dissolve or breakdown--remaining a hard block of chew that blocks the intestine. It all makes some sense now. Gracie was evidently able to pass the chew...I think we got lucky not just once but twice!!  Now I'm not absolutely positive this was Gracie problem, but I'm not going to take any chances in giving anymore to her.

So if you have these chews beware!!


Today Gracie is 100% back to her sassy old self and we've destroyed these dental chews.

Val

Monday, December 28

Happy Birthday Mom....

Today I am honoring my mom, it's her 78th birthday!!! She loves animals, that's probably where I got my love for dogs and all sorts of other animals. This photo is of a albatross chick (named Sid) in what I call the "Fuzzy Bowling Pin" stage. Gotta love him. 

 
Happy Birthday MOM!!
 

Sunday, December 27

Christmas Rainbow

As we were enjoying Christmas dinner at friends, we were witness to this beautiful rainbow!!
 
What a Gift.
 
 
 

 

Friday, December 25

Day 1 -- A Son

Day 1 -- Son

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
photo credit: Richanna Dorman
Joy to the World the Lord has come... 
 Can you imagine how Mary felt about her special gift from God?
 
I just love this beautiful photo of my friend Richanna and her sweet baby boy, Alex.
 Such love beams from this photo.
 
Today concludes my 25 day of Christmas Photo Challenge. Thanks to all that tuned in everyday, it was a time of reflection and praise for me and it was a pleasure to share it with you.
 
Thanks to Travis and Richanna for allowing me to share this beautiful photo.
 
Merry Christmas to All.

Thursday, December 24

Day 2 -- My church

Day 2 -- My church

Matthew 16:18-19
And I tell you that you are Peter and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

 
The church is not a building---it's her people!!

Wednesday, December 23

Day 3 -- Bread

Day 3 -- Bread
John 6:35  Then Jesus declared, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

 
 Here in the Hawaiian culture rice is generally served with a meal instead of bread.
 Must be the Midwestern girl in me, I'd rather have bread than rice!! 

Tuesday, December 22

Day 4 -- White

Day 4 -- White
Isaiah 1:18  "Come now, let s settle the matter," says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow: though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.


Here in Hawaii we don't get any snow (at least not on Kauai)  the above white water is called "Hawaiian Snow".

Monday, December 21

Day 5 -- Water

Day 5 -- Water

John 7:37-38  On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice. "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink." Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, the rivers of living water will flow from within them."


Sunday, December 20

Day 6 -- Red

Day 6 -- Red
 
Matthew 26:28  This is my blood of the covenant which is poured
out for you for the forgiveness of sins.

Saturday, December 19

Day 7 -- Grace

Day 7 -- Grace
Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.

Gracie waiting for her ECG--lots of poking and prodding today :(

On Friday afternoon we made an emergency trip to the vet With Gracie. When I arrived home Gracie was unable to walk, very weak, gums were very pale, cold to the touch and she had vomited at lunchtime while Ron was home.  We spent nearly 3 hours undergoing tests and blood work to determine what the issue might be. Gracie does suffer from mega esophagus and we have managed it well for nearly 10 years. However she has vomited everyday for the past 3 days--which sometimes happens if she eats too fast or too much.   All the blood work came back well within normal ranges and she has acted "normal" the past few days.  Her heart rate was a bit elevated and blood pressure was high. The vet is a bit stumped.  Possible diagnosis could be myasthenia gravis which is a disorder of the signal transmission between the nerves and muscles or a possible tumor.  Dogs with mega esophagus often have or develop this nerve disorder. We will return to the vet next week for some other tests. I am trying to stay positive and tend to my sick girl.  

Friday, December 18

Day 8 -- Green

Day 8 -- Green
Psalm 23:2  He make me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.



The island of Kauai is known as the Garden Island. A little piece of paradise
where you are never far from greenery and flowing waters. 

Thursday, December 17

Day 9 -- Cross

Day 9  -- Cross

Philippians 2:8
and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death--even death on a cross!


I try to give back and pay it forward. On my seal monitoring days if I am unable to locate any seals I spend time doing beach cleanup.  This particular day I was focused on collecting the vast amount of plastic that litters our oceans. In a very short time I had a 5 gallon bucket full of small plastic pieces. One piece was in the shape of a cross.  As I held it up I was reminded how Jesus paid it forward for me---his life on the cross for my sins. Jesus is the ultimate in PAYING it FORWARD!!

Wednesday, December 16

Day 10 -- Tree

Day 10 -- Tree

Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming the curse for us,  for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole."





During our recent visit to the Allerton Gardens we found this Giant Australian Fig tree. This was the  tree made famous in the Jurassic Park movie.   If you saw the movie you know this is where the dinosaur eggs were found.  In the last photo I am standing straight up at the base of the roots, so you can see the root system is rather unique. 

Tuesday, December 15

Day 11 -- Wise Men

Day  11 -- Wise Men
Matthew 2:9-10
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star they were overjoyed.

 
Some of my favorite wise and Godly men.
Love them all.

Monday, December 14

Day 12 -- Star

Day 12 -- Star

Matthew 2:2  "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him"


 I attended the National Tropical Botanical Gardens Open House on the south shore of Kauai Sunday afternoon. All attendees were treated to free admission to the McBryde Garden. The Garden is roughly 70 acres and features 5 self guided trails in which you can stroll thru at your leisure. I had a lovely afternoon looking at all the flora and fauna and did manage to find some fun fruit!

The photo above is the Carambola or better known as Star Fruit.  It is a fruit native to the Philippines and grows throughout the South Pacific. It has a sweet yet tangy flavor; full of vitamin C, when cut in cross section, it resembles a star (hence the name) Have you tried Star Fruit??

Sunday, December 13

Day 13 -- Rest

Day 13 -- Rest

Matthew 11:28  Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.


After a trying week, I think I will join my Gracie in an afternoon rest.

Saturday, December 12

Day 14 -- Traditions

Day 14 -- Traditions

2 Thessalonians 2:15  So then, brothers and sisters stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.


As I was shopping on Friday, I happened by this jar of pickled herring. This type of herring was a  Christmas time tradition for my dad and me. I smiled as I  placed it in my cart. Pickled herring and oyster stew were a couple of traditions with Dad and I.  Mom and my sister didn't care for either one, I liked that this was "our" thing.  Today would have been my dad's 78th birthday, I miss him a lot and know that he'll be smiling as he watches me enjoy our Christmas tradition.
 Happy Birthday Dad!

Friday, December 11

Day 15 -- Flower

Day 15 -- Flower
 
Song of Solomon 2:1  I am the rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.
 
 
and a lily on the mountain.




Thursday, December 10

Day 16 -- Candy

Day 16 -- Candy

Proverbs 16:24  Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
 

The candycane...put two together and it makes a heart.
Funny how God knows just what you need when you need it. Yesterday was a rough day--
 I am so glad my God is gracious and sweet -- He fills my Heart!

Wednesday, December 9

Day 17 -- Angel

Day 17-- Angel

Luke 2:10-11  But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;
he is the Messiah, the Lord."

 
These two lovely ladies are my dad's sisters. Arlene is on the left--one of dad's big sisters and Melissa is on the right--his baby sister.  Words can't express how much I love these two.

 
 and yes, I think they're both angels---one of them just didn't wanna wear her
wings this particular day!!

Tuesday, December 8

Day 18 -- Favorite Scripture

Day 18 -- Favorite Scripture

Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

 
 
 


Monday, December 7

Day 19 -- Shepherd

Day 19 -- Shepherd

John 10:11, 14 -- I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, I know my sheep and my sheep know me.


My girl Schatzie is a good shepherd, she knows where her peeps are at all times. Her world is complete when her family is together. Thank God for Dogs!!

Sunday, December 6

Day 20 -- Word

Day 20 -- Word

John 1:1  In the beginning was the WORD, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.


You hear the greeting daily, but it's more than a hello or goodbye, it is a way of living and treating each other with love, respect and compassion.  I think the world needs more ALOHA, don't you??

Saturday, December 5

Day 21--- My Bible

Day 21--My Bible

2Timothy 3:16  Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correction and training in righteousness.

 
 
My gear to monitor seals includes binoculars, water, camera, phone, snacks and my BIBLE.  I began taking my bible with me a few months ago after purchasing a compact version that fits nicely in my pack. I spend time talking with God, reading scripture and sometimes I even read scripture out loud to the seals.  I am never alone. 

Friday, December 4

Day 22 -- Light



Day 22 --Light

John 8:12  I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.




This is the Ninini lighthouse on the south end of Kauai. This cylindrical concrete lighthouse stands 86ft in height and was built in 1933 A total of seven light keepers kept the "lights on" before becoming a fully automated lighthouse operated by the USCG in 1953.  Wonder how many sailors have relied on her light in finding their way thru the darkness into the Nawiliwili Harbor. 

Thursday, December 3

Day 23 -- The Letter J

Day 23-- The Letter J


Matthew 1:21  This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah. The son of David, the son of Abraham.


The above is a page from the Hawaiian dictionary.  The Hawaiian alphabet contains only 13 letters, the vowels a, e, i, o, and u and the consonants h, k, l ,m, n, p, w and the 'u'ina  represented by the inverted comma.  No "J" thus Jesus is Iesu.

Wednesday, December 2

Day 24--God's Creation

God's Creation

Colossians 1:17  He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.
 

Living on the island of Kauai I am in constant awe of God's creation surrounding  me. The mountains, the waterfalls, the waves and  the list goes on. One of my favorites are the beautiful flowers--so colorful, fragile and perfect. He created them all. We are like the flowers--colorful and precious in his sight. Christ is the sustainer of all life, we must trust him to protect us, care for us and sustain us, for His children are far more precious than even the flowers.

Tuesday, December 1

Christmas Photo Challenge....

Aloha all,

It's been awhile since I've posted, sometimes I just get bloggers block and don't feel as though I have anything worth sharing. A few days ago I found a Christmas Photo Challenge list and decided to give it a go. I will be sharing photos of life here in Hawaii as well as bible verses over the next 25 days in preparation of advent. Hope you enjoy.

Day 25-- A Road


John 14:6   "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."


Our path is not always easy, often there are many distractions, bumps, curves and obstacles but if we keep our eyes focused and trust the Lord, he will be our guide and will show us the way.


Wednesday, September 23

Summer has ended...

 
My official summer monitoring duties ended with this little monk today. Gary, our regular volunteer  is back from his summer mainland job. So I will be monitoring another seal area beginning later this week.   It was a bittersweet walk from the beach back to the car.  I so enjoyed watching our 4 seal pups grow and explore.  Don't worry, I will still go and check this area occasionally, it just wont be the 3 times a week that I've done for the past 4.5 months.  Hey RG58, I'll be down the coast a bit if you wanna come visit 
 
Be safe "Rocko" 
 
Going to miss this little face.
Sea Cucumber squirt gun !!
Showing off his bling....stay safe "Rocko"


Tuesday, September 22

Friends...

Nature is so amazing and yesterday proved that once again.
Our little seal RG58 or as I like to call him "ROCKO" continues to explore the world. Yesterday he had time with a green sea turtle. The interaction was right out of NATGEO.

Excuse me Mr. Honu, mind if I share the beach with you for a nap?

Sure Kid, Just give me a little space okay!!
Okay Dude!!

Do you know any good places for tako?

Mr. Honu, I really am sleepy!!

Hey Kid, just go to SLEEP

Sweet Dreams Mr. Honu

and this my friends is how it should be.....PEACE!!
 

Sunday, September 13

Fall Roster Announced...

It is with great pride that we introduce our 2015 Fall Stuffie Team.  Earlier today, Schatzie and I were forced to choose our fall stuffie team. It was a difficult decision since we had 30 stuffies in our basket.  Mom said we had to reduce the team to half. I screamed HALF!!!!  So we nosed thru the basket and decided on the following sixteen. She was right, a few of the stuffies really did need to make the trip to the Stuffie Bridge. So they were wrapped carefully and will be picked up tomorrow by the big yellow truck. God Speed good and faithful stuffies you gave your all and we are truly grateful.

 In no particular order here is the Fall Team, freshly washed and dried;   Pink, Goofy, Mr. Bill, Ducky, Arnie, Ziggy, Ribbit, Ally, Penguin, Sock, Sid, Lamby, Raffy, Hedge and Choppy and Baby.

I know 16 is not half, but after some pleading mom gave into our Sweet 16 demand!!  Please note that Mr. Bill and Goofy are on the DL.  Mr. Bill has a  back injury and Goofy has lost his eyes. We were finally able to convince  mom that those two just couldn't leave the team yet despite their injuries. After all, they had made the trip from the mainland with us over two years ago and we couldn't bare to release them from duty--not yet!!


In case you are wondering why we had to reduce our Stuffie Roster.  Mom was reading Murphy and Stanley's mom's Facebook page today. Their mom said she was going to start reducing her "stuff" by one item a day. So my mom thought it was a great idea and decided to start her downsizing with our Stuffies! Why didn't she start with all her shoes?!?!?!? Guess she played the MOM card.  Wonder what great stuff mom will throw out tomorrow!!

Love, Gracie, Schatzie and the Sweet 16!!

Tuesday, August 25

Ladies and Gentlemen....

We have a WEANER!!! Our little Hawaiian Monk Seal known as PK4 was weaned today at age 6 weeks. Here are some of my favorite shots of the day. This little monk sure does make me smile.
My mom left me today.....

I got sand in my mouth!!!

I found a stick
Looks at all my sticks
Tidal wave!!

hey, where'd all my sticks go??


Sticks make nice pillows