Taima will be missed at Howling Pines

Our first loss at Howling Pines.

Taima was the first to be named in the litter that was born April 20, 2000, the only one who had to have treatment as a puppy by a vet. He was a eager player and loved to run and play. His partner Yuma will surely miss him. He was a gentle soul and was never agressive towards me. Not even once! Yuma stood his ground to protect his brother but the sadness of his passing put a forlorn howl that we all understand.

Taima was autopsied for our understanding as we were in shock and had no forwarning that this was upon us. The results were that he had "twisted his stomach" and was in much pain and it is common in animals with large cavities.

Knowing what killed him was better than not knowing. It is our first loss and it is very painful. I just don't know what else to say. I watched the whole episode and was unable to give him any comfort.

Patiently I wait for relief

Well we have a subject that is dear to my heart. Back to health care. I have found that going to the doctor every 6 months like clock work, only fills the wallet of organized health workers and insurance companies. This March I woke up from a madness in my mind and decided to do something about my weight. I didn't recognize myself in the mirror! I researched the medications I was on. All those side affects were frightening! So I told my doctor I wanted off the medications that made me gain weight. He laughed and said "stop eating so much and move." Kind of a direct suggestion. Of course I was irritated with the remark as I was 100 pounds overweight thanks to a stroke and brain misfiring all the time I sat for many years. All my life I was a busy body, working many hours in factories and never thinking much about food. Well that story changed after being disabled and set aside as no longer viable labor. Oh yeah I was forgetful, burned a few boiling eggs mind you that landed on the ceiling!
But I trudged on and looked up natural herbs for my issues of pain. I found many to my dismay that falsely advertised and charged outrageous prices. I had given up on pain pills a few years ago, they just made me sick. I was angry at the doctor for letting me gain all this weight and never challenging me to do something. He took my off the Aricept and Namenda for Alzheimer's. Said it might be worse for me than good as I was at that "Agitated" mode.
Oh I watched the whole year of Biggest Loser last year and it just haunted me that those people weren't much bigger on the scale then me. I began to hate myself. Thinking it was hopeless. This spring I talked to my cousin. He gave me great advice. Smoke marijuana for your pain and brain! I of course laughed at him as I haven't smoked in so many years. But I went on line and found profound information about Marijuana for Alzheimer patients and discovered that it actually helps those with dementia. I of course had that printed. Then I found more things such as Marijuana for pain. I PRINTED THAT TOO. Having lived a very active life on my feet, my fond memories of running for miles for the sheer joy was very much buried in the past. Well when you get to be my age all those wonderful games of softball, track, rugby, horseback riding etc all show their ugly head by giving me pain in my old age. Having broke my back also about 20 some years ago, surgeries on my knee 3 x and both my feet operated on, I have been depressed for many years and living inside my shell.
Well, I found out about the Michigan Medical Marijuana Program and went to the doctor with my papers. He couldn't sign because he was part of a big health center and told me where I could go. He said I qualify and I should check it out. I did. I smoked for a month and returned.
I returned to my heart doctor after a month, my blood pressure was so low he took me off the medication which by the way has a side affect of gaining weight. I then went to my regular appointment with my doctor and I had already lost 10 pounds! So much for the munchies it doesn't have that affect on me!
Well that was in April, I have now reached my half-way mark. I have lost 50 pounds folks. On sheer willpower and a good neighbor who was looking for some one to walk with, I set out every day this summer when it wasn't raining or storming and walked the country block. 8 Am I am on the road. That measured out to 2.5 miles. Every morning I get up and put my knee braces on, smoke a little in my vaporizer and walk. My friend has Fibromayalgia so she is also in pain but walks on those days that she can. We get home we scream for relief and smoke some then too.
We share pain but also hope. We share our shortcomings and triumph on those things we have conquered. This is a milestone for me to talk about it on a public blog but I don't care at this point if there are people who disapprove of my pain management. My daily walks with the Creator in the countryside has brought comfort and dignity back into my self worth. God has surely seen where I have been.
So for pain and brain my world is looking up. I have regained my ease to write again and be productive in a limited way but at least I am a human being again.
I go back to the doctor (6 months is up!) in a few weeks, and I think he will have a story to share with his partners. Now what else can I do?
I am joining the Kalamazoo Compassion Club and I am going to get back into the saddle and see if I can't work for a "Cause" that fits my lifestyle. I am not suggesting everyone join in but please say prayers for those that are giving up their pills for herbs. It is hard to turn the corner and find yourself at a dead end. I think I just jumped the wall! By the way I have my Michigan Medical Marihuana Card so I am legal folks. I would Never Break the Law! They would have to send me to Amsterdam!
Peace and Love everyone, just Imagine!

Fall is upon us soon!

Yes the leaves are a changing and its almost upon us that dreaded winter winds with snow piling up. I read the news today and oh boy! I think this issue with Health Care is going to really take off this time. At least I am hoping. I notice a lot of self-righteous beings are protesting it. Looks like it's going to be another divided party bill. But thank God we have the majority that want to fix this healing thing for all. The health care reform must go on to becoming a reality. We voted for "Change" so we must also support the change. We can't sit in the past century, we must find a way to give all humans health care. Shame on us for not having it. America was the land that everyone wanted to put their dreams to reality. Now is the time to unite and support our Government for the driver is now a new beginning. Stop the racism, stop and listen~ don't turn away from the one who is standing for us all.

Our Pug Oakley

Meet Oakley, our pug, he is now a year old.
Moxie our boxer would have nothing to do with another dog until we got Oakley. Oh my Gosh it was like a mother and her pup for a few months.
The fact that Oakley is a male might have something to do with Moxie's acceptance of him. They play all the time and take lots of naps together. Oakley has a mind of his own most of the time but he is housebroke and sleeps thru the night. Those are important you know!
With a face like that, how can you not take it home?