The little white dog I brought home the week before Thanksgiving has settled in nicely. She is very much loved by me and all my assistants and everybody who meets her. Lambkin only wants to be right at my side in the house, and loves it when I'm able to take her for a walk. She loves walking and running, and would do so for many hours a day if she had the chance. As it is, she goes on four walks a day. If it's not raining, my assistants and I, and several neighbors walk her a minimum of 1.5 hours per day. At first I was trying to do most of it, but it takes me half an hour to put on sweater, scarf, jacket, and get her leash on... Not great for early mornings when she really has to GO. In addition I was having a lot of pain in my arm from driving my chair too much. We tried for four weeks to get her to use one of those pet pee patches of fake grass, but she refused it. So then we had to figure out a schedule and keep her on it.
I do take her out once a day myself, and I just love it! We tool around the neighborhood with me on my powerchair, driving the chair with one hand, and holding Lambkin's leash in my right hand. At my side I carry a fantastic pooper scooper, which works great! It is called a Scooper Genie. It has a telescoping part that you can extend and retract to make it longer or shorter and has a place where you insert the bag. After the dog has pooped, you find a trash can, lean it over the can, and push the button.
She no longer chases the cats, and when she barks too much Marigold will go up to her and swat her on the nose! Just like Cesar Millan always points out that cats are no fools! Likewise the cats mostly no longer go running in front of Lambkin. And as I had envisioned that day I brought her home, she and Marigold who have similar personalities; gentle, sweet, loving... both will get on the couch near one another, and today when I woke up both Lambkin and Marigold were on the bed with me. Magic has yet to join us. A week ago, we noticed that Marigold was reclaiming my bedroom which she likes because it's quiet, cozy and soft. I was so happy to see this, as I want all my girls to be happy.
Each one has her own way of showing affection to me. Marigold rubs her head on my head or arm when I'm on the couch, Magic wants to be in my lap 24/7, and Lambkin stays as close as she can get, and loves giving kisses.
Three weeks ago, we took Lambkin to a dog park in Walnut Creek, where we met my assistant's husband who brought their young dog, and who has met Lambkin before and now the two are great buddies. With the exception of one minor snapping incident which occurred when we first arrived there, Lambkin has done amazing at these dog parks! Off leash she is just amazing; she loves meeting other dogs, even much bigger males, whereas on-leash she growls sometimes. She is great about always coming back to us after dashing off to meet another dog, or go after somebody else's ball, or even just running for the sheer joy of letting loose. She'll come dashing back to us, and then go tearing off again. She has a wonderful way of loping through the grass that makes me wish I had a video camera. She'll get up on the benches to give kisses to elderly people. We all love the dog park at Pt. Isabel, it is in a beautiful locale so it's super nice for the people too.
We had some concerns for a while when she was having bowel trouble. After feeding her chicken and rice for a few days, she got better, but after resuming her regular food, she got loose stools again. this happened several times, and on a hunch, I looked at the ingredients in her food, and was horrified when I saw that corn meal gluten was the second-most thing in this "premium natural" dry dog food. I now feed her food that has no corn or corn meal gluten, or soy or other typical fillers. She has had no more issues with her bowels.
My three assistants got together to give me the gift of having Lambkin go to a professional groomer. I was so happy! The only thing I did not like was she left too much hair on her face, as I love looking at her face and eyes. We will find a way.
It is SO hard to believe that Modesto Animal Services was going to euthanize her, but after learning of the dismal outlook for dogs in Sacramento county, I am SO HAPPY that Lambkin was saved by Animal Savers! She just brings me so much joy!
Stay Tuned!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
An Unexpected Blessing
I have been having difficulty with the seat of my power chair for some time now. Just after I had my first hip replaced, I received a new cushion that had been ordered prior to my surgery. And therein lies the problem or at least part of it. I was away in hospital and rehab centers for about a month, using my manual chair while there. That cushion on my manual chair also leaves a lot to be desired; it's okay for short shopping trips and doctors appointments, but I have had the same seat, since I inherited the manual chair from a cousin's mother in 1987! So I had forgotten what a good chair cushion should feel like when I finally was able to get home and sit on my new cushion. Oh the joys of gel on a sore rear end! However as time went on, I realized that my rear end was not fitting the indentation properly. I theorize that my new hip made my behind wider, since I was always needing to stand up and mush the gel around. I tried calling the chair place, but the company had been sold, and I was told they no longer accepted medi-cal. So in between trying to figure out what to do about it, and attend water-therapy for my hip, as well as looking for a home to buy, and finding a condo, and moving in to it,time marched on.
In October 2009, I had my other hip replaced, and if I wasn't fitting my chair before, now it was even worse, plus I am pretty sure the gel sack had broken. Anyway it had become torture to sit on the cushion with much wider or fuller hips. The chair place came by with a new cushion, but as it was only two inches thick, I knew my body would get even sorer when I go out in the neighborhood, so I refused it. In March I saw a doctor who said it would take five days to send a referral to be evaluated for a new seating system. Well, five days turned into 25 days. I even saw my regular doctor who I really like, and regularly refer to other people with disabilities because he really listens. He said he would fax it over to the PT at the hospital. Well, it took him a little longer than a week, but I see what probably happened. He had to have somebody look up all the codes for my many spine issues, (which are depressing to read!)
But, I didn't know how much longer it would take to get the referral, and then to get into see the PT at the rehab center, so after my Feldenkrais lesson on Monday, I was determined to give my rear-end a break, and went to the Foam Factory, to look at getting a temporary solution. So, I asked the guy to show me some memory foam. I was hoping that an 18 X 18 inch piece would be priced so I could afford it. He said it would be $57.00. I was not surprised, but I was not happy either. I asked him if he had anything cheaper. He said, yeah, but they won't feel the same.
Another customer had overheard my conversation with my assistant and the employee, about how I didn't know how much longer it would take my doctor, and he said to me, "I'd like to buy it for you." I was very surprised, I didn't quite know what to think. He was a very nice-looking man, stocky, African American, with a nice smile. Then I recalled several other instances where strangers wanted to give me something, and my dad, who was a psychologist had told me to accept their gifts because it makes people feel good to give. So, I said, "Are you sure?" He smiled and said yes. So, I came home with a lovely piece of memory foam, which is fine for around the house, but because it sinks, not enough by itself for when I go for walks.
My mail yesterday contained that referral, so today my assistant took it to the rehab center and I have an appointment in May sometime. Needless to say, I'm glad I have the memory foam, and look forward to paying the gift forward, in some way. After I get a new cushion for my power chair, I'll use the foam for my manual chair.
Thank you, kindly, sir!
April 20, 2010
In October 2009, I had my other hip replaced, and if I wasn't fitting my chair before, now it was even worse, plus I am pretty sure the gel sack had broken. Anyway it had become torture to sit on the cushion with much wider or fuller hips. The chair place came by with a new cushion, but as it was only two inches thick, I knew my body would get even sorer when I go out in the neighborhood, so I refused it. In March I saw a doctor who said it would take five days to send a referral to be evaluated for a new seating system. Well, five days turned into 25 days. I even saw my regular doctor who I really like, and regularly refer to other people with disabilities because he really listens. He said he would fax it over to the PT at the hospital. Well, it took him a little longer than a week, but I see what probably happened. He had to have somebody look up all the codes for my many spine issues, (which are depressing to read!)
But, I didn't know how much longer it would take to get the referral, and then to get into see the PT at the rehab center, so after my Feldenkrais lesson on Monday, I was determined to give my rear-end a break, and went to the Foam Factory, to look at getting a temporary solution. So, I asked the guy to show me some memory foam. I was hoping that an 18 X 18 inch piece would be priced so I could afford it. He said it would be $57.00. I was not surprised, but I was not happy either. I asked him if he had anything cheaper. He said, yeah, but they won't feel the same.
Another customer had overheard my conversation with my assistant and the employee, about how I didn't know how much longer it would take my doctor, and he said to me, "I'd like to buy it for you." I was very surprised, I didn't quite know what to think. He was a very nice-looking man, stocky, African American, with a nice smile. Then I recalled several other instances where strangers wanted to give me something, and my dad, who was a psychologist had told me to accept their gifts because it makes people feel good to give. So, I said, "Are you sure?" He smiled and said yes. So, I came home with a lovely piece of memory foam, which is fine for around the house, but because it sinks, not enough by itself for when I go for walks.
My mail yesterday contained that referral, so today my assistant took it to the rehab center and I have an appointment in May sometime. Needless to say, I'm glad I have the memory foam, and look forward to paying the gift forward, in some way. After I get a new cushion for my power chair, I'll use the foam for my manual chair.
Thank you, kindly, sir!
April 20, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
little poem found in my notebook
Wherever you go,
Wherever you are,
Whatever you do,
I'll be dreaming
and thinking of you.
Tamar Raine 4-2010
Wherever you are,
Whatever you do,
I'll be dreaming
and thinking of you.
Tamar Raine 4-2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
On The Wings of Love (poem)
The Wings of Love
by
Tamar Mag Raine
I listened to an old song today,
It opened the doors to my heart,
And a few other memories came
Flying in on the wings of love.
Is love ever really
Gone from our lives?
Or do we just forget
It’s within us always,
Waiting to be remembered,
Waiting to be shared
With every being in the universe
Ohhhh the wings of love and grace;
Once upon a time,
I was given a most miraculous vision,
On the wings of love and grace,
I was shown in no uncertain terms,
That love springs eternally,
From deep within us all,
Love never leaves us,
And is unfathomably deep,
Deep as the universe itself,
Deeper than the oceans,
Love just poured forth,
From deep within my heart and soul,
No words can describe the intensity
Of the love that was springing up
On the wings of love and grace,
On the wings of love and grace,
In meditation one early morning,
I found a small boy,
apparently abandoned,
And as I sat talking quietly to him,
The love within me starting flowing;
Indescribable – overwhelming,
Warm, gushing sensation;
Deeper than the oceans,
Deeper than the universe;
Yes my child,
You will walk in grace forever,
You will fly through life in joy,
On the wings of love and grace,
For they never end, love never ends,
Oh my sweet child, oh my dear child,
Keep your heart wide open,
Let your love flow,
Even when you get hurt,
Just remember from where
The source of love springs,
And let the wings of love
And grace carry you,
And you can live a
Life of joyous love,
On the wings of love and grace,
Yes life can be hard,
The body can be frail,
But nothing can extinguish
The fire of love;
Once you feel this truth for yourself,
You will live a joyous life,
Even if you get overwhelmed or sick,
And even if somebody hurts you,
Just sit peacefully, sit peacefully,
And remember the wings
Of love and grace.
Just remember, just remember,
Yes, just remember who you really are,
And that you can live on
The wings of love and grace…
(I was inspired by John Denver's song Perhaps Love)
If you, or somebody you know can sing and play music, I'd love to get together and turn my words into a song...
by
Tamar Mag Raine
I listened to an old song today,
It opened the doors to my heart,
And a few other memories came
Flying in on the wings of love.
Is love ever really
Gone from our lives?
Or do we just forget
It’s within us always,
Waiting to be remembered,
Waiting to be shared
With every being in the universe
Ohhhh the wings of love and grace;
Once upon a time,
I was given a most miraculous vision,
On the wings of love and grace,
I was shown in no uncertain terms,
That love springs eternally,
From deep within us all,
Love never leaves us,
And is unfathomably deep,
Deep as the universe itself,
Deeper than the oceans,
Love just poured forth,
From deep within my heart and soul,
No words can describe the intensity
Of the love that was springing up
On the wings of love and grace,
On the wings of love and grace,
In meditation one early morning,
I found a small boy,
apparently abandoned,
And as I sat talking quietly to him,
The love within me starting flowing;
Indescribable – overwhelming,
Warm, gushing sensation;
Deeper than the oceans,
Deeper than the universe;
Yes my child,
You will walk in grace forever,
You will fly through life in joy,
On the wings of love and grace,
For they never end, love never ends,
Oh my sweet child, oh my dear child,
Keep your heart wide open,
Let your love flow,
Even when you get hurt,
Just remember from where
The source of love springs,
And let the wings of love
And grace carry you,
And you can live a
Life of joyous love,
On the wings of love and grace,
Yes life can be hard,
The body can be frail,
But nothing can extinguish
The fire of love;
Once you feel this truth for yourself,
You will live a joyous life,
Even if you get overwhelmed or sick,
And even if somebody hurts you,
Just sit peacefully, sit peacefully,
And remember the wings
Of love and grace.
Just remember, just remember,
Yes, just remember who you really are,
And that you can live on
The wings of love and grace…
(I was inspired by John Denver's song Perhaps Love)
If you, or somebody you know can sing and play music, I'd love to get together and turn my words into a song...
Thursday, April 1, 2010
A Great Internet Radio program!
If you want to start your week in a great mood, then on Mondays, tune into
THIS IS LIFE, an internet radio show featuring Geri Jewell (from Deadwood and Facts of Life), who now also is a motivational speaker, Kathy Buckley, a wonderful deaf comedienne and motivational speaker, and Toby Forrest! These are very thoughtful and fun speakers. Do not miss!
I have been out of commission for two week,s but am planning an article, so stay tuned!
THIS IS LIFE, an internet radio show featuring Geri Jewell (from Deadwood and Facts of Life), who now also is a motivational speaker, Kathy Buckley, a wonderful deaf comedienne and motivational speaker, and Toby Forrest! These are very thoughtful and fun speakers. Do not miss!
I have been out of commission for two week,s but am planning an article, so stay tuned!
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