I try as a wife and a mother to keep our house clean, but dirt is a never ending battle. I can sweep daily and dust weekly then turn around and it seems like there's more dirt than when I started. It's a tedious chore that has to be done and unless you're a perfect little Suzie homemaker it's also one that is dreaded. Dirt accumulates at our house in three different forms: mud, dust, and pet hair.
Although we are only a family of three there's a lot of foot traffic at our house and foot traffic means mud. My husband is probably the biggest culprit for tracking in mud. His job and size 13 work boots are two major factors in my battle against the clumpy brown goo that every one who lives in Maine has to deal with. The two dogs contribute a lot to the issue also. We have a swamp behind our house and unless they are hooked on their chain, you can bet your last dollar that they will take a trip through the wonderful, knee-deep playground.
Dust is a constant issue for every household, but I believe it's especially thick at ours. For starters, we have cement floors. I don't know if you've ever swept a cement floor, but with every push of the broom a dust cloud is sure to follow. The wood stove is also a major player in the dust battle at our house during the winter months. Between the wood that's brought in daily to fill the ever hungry stove and the ashes that are a reminder that the wood pile is dwindling fast, the dust collects at a pace that you can almost measure daily.
I know that pet hair isn't considered dirt, but it might as well be. It has to be swept up and thrown away, dusted off furniture, and pulled off upholstery. We have an over abundance of pet hair in our house. Two labs that seem to shed year round can make a pretty good pile of dog hair after a good floor sweeping. The five cats that call our house a home are the biggest contributors of the pet hair though. Their hair clumps up and lands in every nook and cranny of this house, and shows no mercy for the person trying to keep it under control.
Dirt comes in many forms and can be found anywhere in most peoples homes; it's the battle to keep it under control that's the issue. I have come to the realization over the years that I will never be the perfect little Suzie homemaker, so I do what I can, when I can, to keep our home presentable. After all, haven't people been saying for years that "a little dirt never hurt anyone."
Monday, April 30, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Effect Essay
Three years ago we moved from our home of five years into a much larger house closer to my husbands business. We all welcomed this move although we knew that it would have both negative and positive effects on our lives. There was the money issue to think about, as always. And the fact that my daughter would be much further away from her friends was a pretty big deal to her. My husband and I were happy about the effect it would have on our commute to work every day; we can walk to work now and be there in 3 minutes.
We knew that moving in to a larger house would mean more money out of our pockets to heat it during the winter months, but we had no idea of the over all cost. We made the big move in October, which is not the ideal time to try to figure out all of the quirks that a house can have. The place is equipped with radiant floor heating a large wood stove. We made the plan to utilize both of these because the floor is cement and we knew that it would stay cold. We bought 6 cord of wood, which cost us about $1,800 and would have been more than sufficient if the floor was working correctly, and filled the oil barrel. (I don't even want to think about what that cost) Neither of us have ever lived in a home with radiant floor heating, but we are smart enough to know that it shouldn't take more than a week to start feeling the effects. Come to find out, the pipes in the floor were plugged solid and the water was not circulating. We were told that we couldn't turn the boiler off or the pipes in the ground would freeze. Wow, was that a long, cold, and expensive first winter in this house.
I think moving had the biggest emotional effect on my daughter. She was 13 at the time and her friends were her world. We had lived pretty much in the center of town and none of her friends were more than five minutes away. The new house is in a different town, out in the country, and she knew nobody close by. The first few weeks were hard on her, being stuck home as she called it, but soon she discovered that even though she was further away she could still have her weekend sleepovers.
The biggest positive effect of moving was the fact that the new house is directly beside his business. He feels much more secure living next door because he can make nightly inspections to check for thieves or possible fires in the summer months. If one of the truck drivers needs to leave early in the morning he can just walk over and unlock the gate to let them out, then come back home for his morning coffee. We do save money being this close to work because neither one of us has to commute, we can just walk there and walk home.
We have all adjusted well to the effects of moving into a larger house. We finally got the heating issue fixed, but it still costs us considerably more money to heat this place than the last. My daughter has since started high school and made friends closer to us, and Jason still enjoys his morning walks to work unless there's a blizzard happening, then he'll take his truck. Moving can be stressful on everyone involved, but we worked it through and made the new house our home.
We knew that moving in to a larger house would mean more money out of our pockets to heat it during the winter months, but we had no idea of the over all cost. We made the big move in October, which is not the ideal time to try to figure out all of the quirks that a house can have. The place is equipped with radiant floor heating a large wood stove. We made the plan to utilize both of these because the floor is cement and we knew that it would stay cold. We bought 6 cord of wood, which cost us about $1,800 and would have been more than sufficient if the floor was working correctly, and filled the oil barrel. (I don't even want to think about what that cost) Neither of us have ever lived in a home with radiant floor heating, but we are smart enough to know that it shouldn't take more than a week to start feeling the effects. Come to find out, the pipes in the floor were plugged solid and the water was not circulating. We were told that we couldn't turn the boiler off or the pipes in the ground would freeze. Wow, was that a long, cold, and expensive first winter in this house.
I think moving had the biggest emotional effect on my daughter. She was 13 at the time and her friends were her world. We had lived pretty much in the center of town and none of her friends were more than five minutes away. The new house is in a different town, out in the country, and she knew nobody close by. The first few weeks were hard on her, being stuck home as she called it, but soon she discovered that even though she was further away she could still have her weekend sleepovers.
The biggest positive effect of moving was the fact that the new house is directly beside his business. He feels much more secure living next door because he can make nightly inspections to check for thieves or possible fires in the summer months. If one of the truck drivers needs to leave early in the morning he can just walk over and unlock the gate to let them out, then come back home for his morning coffee. We do save money being this close to work because neither one of us has to commute, we can just walk there and walk home.
We have all adjusted well to the effects of moving into a larger house. We finally got the heating issue fixed, but it still costs us considerably more money to heat this place than the last. My daughter has since started high school and made friends closer to us, and Jason still enjoys his morning walks to work unless there's a blizzard happening, then he'll take his truck. Moving can be stressful on everyone involved, but we worked it through and made the new house our home.
Process Essay - Tools
Every now and then I get the uncontrollable urge to play carpenter. The project that is now at the top of my list for construction is a built in liquor cabinet that is conveniently located in a prior doorway that has been closed off on the back side to expand the bathroom. This project would probably be finished by now if the process of locating the correct tools didn't take so long. I always start the project with the tools that I think I will need, but it's never enough. I end up spending ten minutes looking for the correct length nails, then I usually have to locate the level or the sander, which never seems to have the right grit of sand paper attached. And in the end, it never fails, a trip to the hardware store is needed. By that time, I am usually so frustrated that I just give up and throw everything into the spare room in an unorganized fashion even though I know this act will just lead to the same process the next time I decide to play carpenter.
When I start a project, I try to visualize what I will need for tools to accomplish the task at hand and it always involves a hammer. Now we have two hammers in this house, but do you think I can ever locate either one of them when the need arises? I always start looking where it should be; that's the logical thing to do right. When that fails, I try to search my memory bank and remember where I used it last. With no luck in that search, I start asking the other members of the household, and usually someone knows where it is. Great! The first step down. I have found the most important tool needed, but there goes 20 minutes of my day.
Nails are a necessity in any building project, and I have lots of them. The problem is the carton they come in when you buy them never stands up to the rigorous abuse I put them through. So, over the years these half used cartons of nails have all been dumped into one large coffee can. This means that I can count on spending at least a half hour sorting through these nails to find a sufficient amount of the same kind needed to finish my project. Or, maybe even get it started at some point.
The final tool needed to get any worthy carpentry project started is the skill saw. I do take great care at the end of a project to wrap the cord neatly and put the saw back into its' proper case, but locating that case is the issue. Is it in the spare room closet where it belongs, or is it in the garage, or maybe mom still has it from the time we used it to board up her house. I can't rely on any one of the other family members to help me locate it because I am the only one that ever uses it. The hunt begins. The last hunt ended with me finding it in the back of my truck. It took a good 45 minutes of scrambling around the house looking in every possible corner for me to finally remember that I had taken it to a friends to help them with a siding project.
I enjoy doing my little carpentry projects, but I would be much more productive if I were a little more organized. The process of finding all of my tools would be so much easier if they were all located in one area with each important tool having a specific place to live. Maybe after I finish the three projects that I have started now I will be frustrated enough with the process of finding my tools that I will be motivated to build a tool shed. How long do you think that will take me?
When I start a project, I try to visualize what I will need for tools to accomplish the task at hand and it always involves a hammer. Now we have two hammers in this house, but do you think I can ever locate either one of them when the need arises? I always start looking where it should be; that's the logical thing to do right. When that fails, I try to search my memory bank and remember where I used it last. With no luck in that search, I start asking the other members of the household, and usually someone knows where it is. Great! The first step down. I have found the most important tool needed, but there goes 20 minutes of my day.
Nails are a necessity in any building project, and I have lots of them. The problem is the carton they come in when you buy them never stands up to the rigorous abuse I put them through. So, over the years these half used cartons of nails have all been dumped into one large coffee can. This means that I can count on spending at least a half hour sorting through these nails to find a sufficient amount of the same kind needed to finish my project. Or, maybe even get it started at some point.
The final tool needed to get any worthy carpentry project started is the skill saw. I do take great care at the end of a project to wrap the cord neatly and put the saw back into its' proper case, but locating that case is the issue. Is it in the spare room closet where it belongs, or is it in the garage, or maybe mom still has it from the time we used it to board up her house. I can't rely on any one of the other family members to help me locate it because I am the only one that ever uses it. The hunt begins. The last hunt ended with me finding it in the back of my truck. It took a good 45 minutes of scrambling around the house looking in every possible corner for me to finally remember that I had taken it to a friends to help them with a siding project.
I enjoy doing my little carpentry projects, but I would be much more productive if I were a little more organized. The process of finding all of my tools would be so much easier if they were all located in one area with each important tool having a specific place to live. Maybe after I finish the three projects that I have started now I will be frustrated enough with the process of finding my tools that I will be motivated to build a tool shed. How long do you think that will take me?
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
What I Have Learned
What I Learned
I learned that there are many different options for treating dogs with epilepsy, and that Lilly is definitely not alone in her battle. Epilepsy is a common illness among our four legged friends, and can be managed easily with a controlled diet, and proper treatment.
Beginning of Life for an Epileptic Dog
When Lilly was diagnosed with epilepsy years ago, one of my first questions was, “Is it hereditary?” I began by asking the people that I got her from if her parents or any of her siblings had ever had seizures, and the answer was NO. In my research I found an answer to this nagging question: "’true’ epilepsy as that which occurs in hereditary syndromes within certain breeds of dogs manifests as a symptom of primary neurologic dysfunction of which the cause is still unknown.” (Davol) “True” epilepsy is only one cause that may trigger seizures in dogs; “Epilepsy may occur secondary to many diseases such as distemper, brain tumors, liver or heart failure, diabetes, or as a result of exposure to toxic substances or trauma.” (Davol) Lilly had her first seizure when she was two years old, which leads me to believe that she has “True” epilepsy. “Seizures can occur at any age, however, true epilepsy does not usually present until the dog is around 2 years or older.” (Davol)
The Seizure
There are four basic stages to a seizure: Prodome, Aura, Ictus, and Post Ictus. (Mitchell) The Prodome may be visible to a pet owner who has been diligent in observing their pets’ behaviors. It is the first sign that a seizure may be coming and can last for hours or even days before the actual seizure. It can be spotted by a change in mood or behaviors. The Aura is the step which happens just prior to the seizure; this will be much more noticeable to the pet owner because it can involve nervousness, trembling, drooling, or even affection. I have never noticed Lilly acting out the Prodome phase before, but I have seen her in the Aura phase. Three times over the years, I have noticed that she was directly beside me when she started her seizure; actually touching me. The one time that she couldn’t reach me, because I was in the shower, she had lain directly in front of my the actual seizure itself and may last 45 seconds to 3 minutes. (Mitchell) During the seizure the dog might experience loss of consciousness, thrashing, drooling, vocalization, feet paddling, and uncontrolled urination or bowels. Most of Lillys’ seizures have lasted from two thru eight minutes with the exception of one. This particular seizure lasted almost two hours and is the only time she has lost control of her bowels. Since doing research on this topic I have learned that she had a Status Epilepticus seizure. Status Epilepticus: Status can occur as one continuous seizure lasting 10 minutes or more, or a series of multiple seizures in a short time with no period of normal consciousness, this may be life threatening. (Mitchell) The final stage to a seizure is called the Post Ictus; this stage occurs immediately after the seizure and sometimes includes pacing, and the dog may appear blind or deaf and eat or drink to the excess.
How to Deal With a Seizure
My personal experiences with Lilly and her seizures have always led to me laying on the floor with her; holding her head and comforting her until the end. I always talk to her and let her know that I am there with her, whether she realizes it or not. I know it makes a difference; as I have learned: “Remain by your pet's side; stroke and comfort your animal so when he comes out of the seizure you are there to calm him.” (http://www.justlabradors.com) A very important fact to remember is that if the seizure lasts too long, “more than 10 to 15 minutes, you should call your veterinarian” (Miller) I have only had to do this the one time Lilly had a Status epilepticus seizure, which ended with a hurried trip to the vets, a shot of valium, and them spraying the bottoms of her feet with cold water to bring down her temperature.
Treatment
There are several anticonvulsant drugs available for treatment of seizures in dogs, some of which are Dilantin, Phenobarbital, Primidone, and Valium. Lilly has been on Phenobarbital since she first started treatment for her seizures and it has been very effective. There has been lapses in between her seizures that have lasted for months and her doctor has lowered her dosage in hopes that the new dosage would be sufficient; only to lead to a future seizure. Lilly is on Phenobarbital because it has the highest efficiency rate and the lowest disadvantages:
Phenobarbital
indication uses: generalized major motor seizures
advantages: high efficacy, rapid action, can be administered by several routes, most effective drug in status epilepsy
disadvantages: long-term sedation, restricted drug, increased thirst and urination, irritability and restlessness(Davol)
advantages: high efficacy, rapid action, can be administered by several routes, most effective drug in status epilepsy
disadvantages: long-term sedation, restricted drug, increased thirst and urination, irritability and restlessness
Although Phenobarbital inhibits seizures by decreasing the activity of neurons. (http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com) , it also has some long term side effects sedation, lethargy, excessive urination, excessive thirst and excessive hunger, hyperexcitability, ataxia (loss of coordination or hind end weakness) and restlessness. (http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com)
My Hopes for Lilly
The most important thing that I have learned through my research is that I have been giving Lilly the best possible care that is available. Sure there has been a few mistakes made along the way, but epilepsy and seizures are still being explored to this day. My hopes for the future are that she lives a long, happy, and comfortable life with as few seizures as possible. “Epilepsy may be self-limiting and many animals achieve remission (freedom from seizures) with appropriate treatment.” (http://www.canineepilepsy.co.uk)
Friday, April 13, 2012
Isearch-The Search
I actually began my search for information about labradors with epilepsy years ago when my dog Lilly was first diagnosed, so it was a natural choice to make this the topic of my Isearch paper. Years ago, my search mainly consisted of talking to my veterinarian and taking suggestions from him about how to deal with her issues. I also tried to bring up the topic with anyone who had dogs, or seemed remotely interested in the topic. I felt that getting feed back from other people dealing with this problem could only help me to better understand what Lilly was going through, and possibly even help to improve her situation.
When I started with the research for the paper I began in the obvious spot, the internet. Google brought up a lot of interesting sites that touched on the topic and also some that went into great detail about the different medications that are offered to treat her seizures. Medications and treatments are one of my biggest concerns, because I have learned that all of the drugs offered for her illness have side effects. I did find a couple of sites that offered a natural approach to dealing with her epilepsy, but this route doesn't seem to the best fit for her situation.
Again, during my search on the internet I did find a lot of useful information about how to handle her before, during, and after her seizures. This has been another one of my major concerns, if I can't stop the seizures, what's the best way to make her the most comfortable. I do know that not all of the sites that I have been to are written by approved veterinarians, and I also know that not everything on the internet is the truth. But, everything that I have read so far has pointed me in the same direction as to dealing with her from the onset to the end of her seizures.
I did manage to get an interview with Lillys old veterinarian. He was very helpful by giving me some key information to start my research, like different drugs that are offered and some insight to the number of dogs that he actually treated on a normal basis for the same issues. He no longer is practicing full time unfortunately, so my access to his knowledge is very limited. I am however very lucky to have a good friend of mine who is a Vet Tech at the same animal clinic and I have been making phone calls to her on a regular basis to look into Lillys files for tests that she has been given over the years.
The internet overall has proved to be the best source for information about my Isearch paper. I have found that there is an endless amount of information and theories about labradors with epilepsy but choosing the most credible sources has been the issue. A lot of the sites start out sounding like a very integral part of my paper but as I read on, I find that they are just quoting from another source and in the end want me to buy their product. I feel confident to say that I have managed to find enough factual information about epilepsy in labradors throughout my internet searches, and I also have the knowledge of my friend to help me out too.
When I started with the research for the paper I began in the obvious spot, the internet. Google brought up a lot of interesting sites that touched on the topic and also some that went into great detail about the different medications that are offered to treat her seizures. Medications and treatments are one of my biggest concerns, because I have learned that all of the drugs offered for her illness have side effects. I did find a couple of sites that offered a natural approach to dealing with her epilepsy, but this route doesn't seem to the best fit for her situation.
Again, during my search on the internet I did find a lot of useful information about how to handle her before, during, and after her seizures. This has been another one of my major concerns, if I can't stop the seizures, what's the best way to make her the most comfortable. I do know that not all of the sites that I have been to are written by approved veterinarians, and I also know that not everything on the internet is the truth. But, everything that I have read so far has pointed me in the same direction as to dealing with her from the onset to the end of her seizures.
I did manage to get an interview with Lillys old veterinarian. He was very helpful by giving me some key information to start my research, like different drugs that are offered and some insight to the number of dogs that he actually treated on a normal basis for the same issues. He no longer is practicing full time unfortunately, so my access to his knowledge is very limited. I am however very lucky to have a good friend of mine who is a Vet Tech at the same animal clinic and I have been making phone calls to her on a regular basis to look into Lillys files for tests that she has been given over the years.
The internet overall has proved to be the best source for information about my Isearch paper. I have found that there is an endless amount of information and theories about labradors with epilepsy but choosing the most credible sources has been the issue. A lot of the sites start out sounding like a very integral part of my paper but as I read on, I find that they are just quoting from another source and in the end want me to buy their product. I feel confident to say that I have managed to find enough factual information about epilepsy in labradors throughout my internet searches, and I also have the knowledge of my friend to help me out too.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Process Essay
Every year, about this time, comes the much anticipated and exciting job of cleaning out the pool so we can enjoy it for the short few months of summer here in Maine. I look forward to this process because I know that all of my hard work and diligence will be rewarded with the cool, sparkling water to enjoy on the hot summer days to follow. Cleaning the pool for the first time in spring is quite a process though, digging all of the necessary equipment out of storage, and the expense for the chemicals, then comes the three days of faithfully cleaning the traps and checking the chemical levels. To be truthful, by the second day, I usually am asking myself if all of this work is actually worth it.
The first step of this process is always the hardest because it involves my husband. I have to basically set up an appointment with him to haul the extremely heavy filter system out of its winter storage spot in the closet. I have attempted this process myself only once because it's no small feat. I actually got it onto the dolly, but I couldn't maneuver it over the first threshold of the spare bedroom. Anyway, after HE gets the filter out there and into place, it's my turn. I find all the hoses and my trusty screwdriver, and go to work. The hoses all fit nicely unless a screw or clamp has rusted over the winter, but that's not much of a problem. When everything is secure and to my liking the hose goes in and the fun part begins.
The next step of the process is definitely the most labor intensive, especially since my husband did all the heavy lifting earlier. Flip the power switch, (that's the easy part) and be ready with the skimmer because all of the leaves are coming off the bottom. I am still very excited about the process at this point because I haven't been man handling the skimmer and leaves for hours. Now it's time to put that flimsy piece of screen at the end of a pole and my muscles to work. I walk around the pool for hours with the skimmer head in the water until it's full, then flick the dead leaves off onto the lawn for the mower to take care of later. Skim and flick, skim and flick, for hours. Usually, by about hour number three I have made a refreshing cocktail, and slowed down on the trips around the pool considerably. The majority of the winter laden leaves are on the lawn and I can stand at the intake for the filter and let the water do most of the work for me.
The end is in now in sight, although maybe a little blurry, either due to lack of chemicals or the cocktails. All of the pieces are put together correctly and not leaking, and most of the leaves are dried up on the lawn. The only things left to do are to hook up Wanda the Whale, (the automatic floor vacuum) and dump the issued amounts of chemicals in the correct order into the water. I usually wait to do this until the next day so the sand and what few leaves that are left have fallen back to the bottom of the pool. Wanda does a great job, she travels along the bottom of the pool seeking out and eliminating anything in her path. The only thing left for me to do is check the skimmer basket periodically to remove any debris that might be blocking the water from getting to the filter. Day three is finished now, I just set the filter timer to run over night knowing that when I wake up all I have to do is collect a water sample for the pool store to process and all of the hard work will be rewarded.
Although cleaning the pool in the spring time is a lot of hard work, the benefits definitely out way the toils. We entertain often pool side, and I feel very proud of my sparkling accomplishments even though nobody else understands what I had to go through to get to this point. My daughter and her friends spend countless hours either dipping their toes or lounging on floats to improve their summer tans. We all benefit from the cool, clean water of the pool in the summer, even my husband, when we enjoy our after hours dips.
The first step of this process is always the hardest because it involves my husband. I have to basically set up an appointment with him to haul the extremely heavy filter system out of its winter storage spot in the closet. I have attempted this process myself only once because it's no small feat. I actually got it onto the dolly, but I couldn't maneuver it over the first threshold of the spare bedroom. Anyway, after HE gets the filter out there and into place, it's my turn. I find all the hoses and my trusty screwdriver, and go to work. The hoses all fit nicely unless a screw or clamp has rusted over the winter, but that's not much of a problem. When everything is secure and to my liking the hose goes in and the fun part begins.
The next step of the process is definitely the most labor intensive, especially since my husband did all the heavy lifting earlier. Flip the power switch, (that's the easy part) and be ready with the skimmer because all of the leaves are coming off the bottom. I am still very excited about the process at this point because I haven't been man handling the skimmer and leaves for hours. Now it's time to put that flimsy piece of screen at the end of a pole and my muscles to work. I walk around the pool for hours with the skimmer head in the water until it's full, then flick the dead leaves off onto the lawn for the mower to take care of later. Skim and flick, skim and flick, for hours. Usually, by about hour number three I have made a refreshing cocktail, and slowed down on the trips around the pool considerably. The majority of the winter laden leaves are on the lawn and I can stand at the intake for the filter and let the water do most of the work for me.
The end is in now in sight, although maybe a little blurry, either due to lack of chemicals or the cocktails. All of the pieces are put together correctly and not leaking, and most of the leaves are dried up on the lawn. The only things left to do are to hook up Wanda the Whale, (the automatic floor vacuum) and dump the issued amounts of chemicals in the correct order into the water. I usually wait to do this until the next day so the sand and what few leaves that are left have fallen back to the bottom of the pool. Wanda does a great job, she travels along the bottom of the pool seeking out and eliminating anything in her path. The only thing left for me to do is check the skimmer basket periodically to remove any debris that might be blocking the water from getting to the filter. Day three is finished now, I just set the filter timer to run over night knowing that when I wake up all I have to do is collect a water sample for the pool store to process and all of the hard work will be rewarded.
Although cleaning the pool in the spring time is a lot of hard work, the benefits definitely out way the toils. We entertain often pool side, and I feel very proud of my sparkling accomplishments even though nobody else understands what I had to go through to get to this point. My daughter and her friends spend countless hours either dipping their toes or lounging on floats to improve their summer tans. We all benefit from the cool, clean water of the pool in the summer, even my husband, when we enjoy our after hours dips.
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