Joan from West Virginia, USA

Hi Joan, thank you for the birthday song - it sounded fine to me! Well I'm home alone at the moment, so no spoiling being done - maybe later!
Today isn't so hot, and we actually had a little bit of rain this morning, but it's an incredibly high fire risk day, with strong winds, so we're keeping our fingers crossed. I can't remember such a dry summer before, and we've had our hottest summer day ever, 46C! I hung the washing out and brought it in again half an hour later! Opening the front door was like stepping into an oven - they tell us to look forward to more of the same! Would really love some of "the steady, soaking rain"!
Anyway, I talk too much! Thanks for the good wishes - hope you have a great day too. :)

Joan, sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you about your query re 'moreish little suckers'.
Moreish is the term I use when I eat something and they make me want to eat more and more-ish, like pistachios! The term 'little suckers' is a loose reference to an advertisement that was in Australia many years ago. Can't remember what the product was but the child in it would say, with a lisp, "thlippery little thuckers", hence my line!
Hope this helps your understanding. Good luck with trying to get a handle on the Aussie vernacular!

Oh, Joan, I'm so sorry to hear about Sandy! Anyone who has truly loved and been loved by a dog knows that losing them can be heart-breaking! Even when she had such a long and good life, it's so hard to say good-bye. I know she was comforted by your presence as she slipped away, but I'm crying now as I recall the pain of those farewells. My heart goes out to you, Joan! And I know you will find another dog to share your life. It won't be Sandy, and your memories of Sandy will keep her alive, but she will be pleased to know that you have taken another into your home and your heart. When the passing is quick, it doesn't give us time to prepare, but it was easier for her this way. And she will greet you at the Rainbow Bridge some day, ready for another walk and for petting. The pain we feel in parting is worth all the joy we receive while they share our lives, but the house seems so quiet and empty ... Do let me know how you are getting on, Joan! Love and hugs from a fellow dog-lover, Cyn

Fresh lotus roots is just peeled and cut into cubes or whatever shape you want. If you buy dried, you have to soak it overnight or however long it takes to get soft. It has vary little flavor and is best used in soup. At least thats my favorite way of cooking it.

Hi Joan, I just happened to visit your site and wanted to extend my condolences at your recent loss of Sandy. She looked like she was a very loving, friendly lady. I am sure that she is very much missed. I also want to tell you that I love the flagstone path to your home. It looks very welcoming, especially in an ice storm, but I would imagine it was quite icey then.

Take care and have a wonderful day,
Aimee :)

g'day, Joan. Thank you for your comment on my photo of the tassie devil. I couldn't find where it was used but I'm glad it was. That's a first for me. If you could possibly send me the link to where it was used I can have a look at it myself but it's ok if it's too late.

I own a holiday home in Tasmania and nearby is a facility that rescues displaced and injured Tasmanian wildlife. They are open to the public in order to raise money to continue their work. Although the devil I photographed looks ferocious, he was actually yawning... *LOL* On the other hand, we do have devils around our rural retreat and they are no so easy to get near. They feed at night and we can often hear them tearing into roadkill along the country road.

Regards, Jan

Hi Joan. I was over on eaa's page and got wind of your recent loss. I am so sorry to hear about Sandy. I'm glad you had so many years together, but nothing makes the loss easy. Sending you big hugs.

Joan, I was just visiting eaa, to give my condolences, when I saw that you have lost your dear Sandy. I am so sorry! I know what a great friend she has been to you and how much you will miss her. Can't think of anything that will help much, so joining Vici in sending hugs.

I just wrote you a very nice note about the loss of your Sandy, then clicked the wrong button on my mouse and lost it! It's so hard to lose a beloved pet/family member. In my lifetime, I've been blessed with 3 special dogs and a special cat. I still miss each one, even though the first dog, Bridget, died in 1964. Bless you and your love for your 4-footed friends. Linda

Joan I'm sorry for your lost,Thank you for sharing it with me. God Bless...eaa.
Sandy and Scamp together.

Joan, I hope you don't mind but I was just over at Judy's and I saw your note about Sandy, and I just wanted to come over and give .
It is always so hard when our furry friends have to leave us and leaves a gap in our lives. I know when I am out in the garden, I still expect to see my ginger cat, Scrap, running around the corner to help me. I am certain I see him out of the corner of my eye, so I like to believe he is still out there in spirit.
I love that you have allowed another puppy into your life. It sounds like he was in dire need of a good human, and you definitely fit that bill. Bless you. ♥

Hello again Joan. I know a new dog can never take the place of your dear old friend Sandy, but I am very glad that you have another little soul to care for, and I hope it will help ease the pain. And you know that you are helping a little creature who really needs you. I'm sure that in time your new dog will be a great friend, and a comfort to you, though Sandy will never be forgotten. We had our dog Jack for 16 years, so I know how hard it is losing an old friend. Hugs again.

Hi Joan - we haven't met yet, but just dropped in to say sorry about Sandy. We just lost one of our boys to lymphoma cancer - we managed to get him just under 12 months with 6 mths+ chemo etc as opposed to 2-3 weeks.

You feel the loss always, but seems like you are showering love on a new addition. Well done. Hugs coming your way.

Joan,
You must have a big, big heart, God bless you for taking in a puppy who otherwise would not have any life to speak of, with patience and understanding you may end up with a loyal, loving, caring addition to your family, good luck and don't despair!

Aimee :)

Hi Joan, I've just been reading about Jasper's exploits - sounds like he is going to keep you very busy! I think he is a very lucky dog to have found such a kind and loving friend - you even forgave him for stealing your cookies! He's also lucky to be living in such a beautiful place, where he can wander through leaves and play by the stream - it sounds like doggy paradise!

Joan - I think it is so wonderful that you are rescuing a needy pup. I have many friends with rescue dogs - I walk with 3 of the dogs every Wednesday morning. There are so many who need help - thanks for extending your deep love for Sandy to another. Big hug to you my dear!

Joan - thanks for your note. We have always had "rescue dogs" and it is so satisfying giving them a life full of love without fear or cruelty. Sometimes though the bad memories never disappear, so don't worry with your nervous little one - you will be repaid over and over.

Know how you feel with those idiots who are careless with fires, or deliberately light them. The terrible loss suffered as a consequence of their actions can never be forgiven. Take care.

just hopping in to wish you a very Happy Easter and a season full of joy!

Hi Joan, Wishing you a

Dear Joan.
Wishing you and your family a very,

" HAPPY EASTER " .

I sympathise! Planes are definitely virus incubators. I hope you feel better soon.

And now I've 'met' Jasper! He looks a nice dog.

Thank you for visiting my page and enjoying my trip pictures. I've just looked through your pictures as well. You have a lovely house and it is so obvious what a big heart you have for animals that have had a tough time. Parting at the end is difficult, but all the joy along the way makes it worthwhile. We to had a Jasper, years ago. He was a black Lab mix, and a very sweet and loving dog. My wife found him hanging around a store up town and, when she found out he didn't seem to have an owner, brought him home. Simon was an abandoned dog too. Best of luck with your Jasper.

Hi Joan! Looking deep into Jasper's eyes in the photo where he's looking over his shoulder, I'd say he has a lot of potential. Our family is in a different space to you. We are both working and our daughter's extra-curricular activities are increasing (she's 7 now) so we'll take a little break before committing to another dog.

Happy 4th of July! Let freedom ring!!!

We have been down here in the Orlando area since Mar. 2005, didn't take long to adjust to the nice warm weather. 10 wild horses couldn't drag us back up north. I don't even own a winter coat anymore.
We lost a dog, Bear 2 years ago and we adopted a a little 7.5 lb. dog about a year ago. Her name is Zoe and she is just a cutie!!!
Best,
Izzie

Hi Joan! Just popping in to see how you're getting on. Nice to see Jasper has settled in - is he still very frisky and keeping you busy? He looks like a friendly chap - hope you're both well and happy together. :)

Dear Joan.
.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year .
My best wishes to you.

Best wishes for a wonderful New Year!

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas



and

Merry Christmas, Joan! Hope you have a wonderful Festive Season, with friends, family and fun.

We went to Italy for a relaxing holiday after the excitement of our daughter's wedding - had a lovely time, right up until I tripped over my own feet, fell and broke my arm! Ah well, as they say in the classics, them's the breaks! (Groan!) I was SO excited to see Pompeii, but it's so huge that the time we had there wasn't enough to get more than idea. Went to Herculaneum later - smaller, quieter and much more interesting,we thought.
Anyway, enough of the travelogue! Have a great 2010!

and

Sweetheart! Won't you be mine???

Thanks for your note, Joan! I chuckle every time I hear that expression, too!
Sandy looks so much like our two aging dogs, 10 and 12. We dread the day that they are no longer with us. Hard to explain why we love our animals so much, isn't it?
XO

That's terrific news about you and Jasper!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Just hopping by to wish you a very

Hi, Joan!

I;m delighted to hear how well you and Jasper are doing! I expect the one thing you haven't done is the teeter, since that seems most likely to freak out dogs when it moves under them. Ceilidh will do it, but Pooka does NOT like it! I can usually lure her through it, but at our last agility match (where her mother finished her Novice Agility title on the standard course), Pooka got freaked out by the teeter, and then wouldn't set a paw on anything that MIGHT be a teeter (like the A-frame, or dog walk, as well as the teeter). But maybe the Border Collie in him is surfacing, since BCs usually LOVE agility! And it usually takes a while to get the weaving going. I've seen BCs go through weave poles like they were running straight and fast! And much more fun than obedience, though obedience is a great foundation for agility as well. Maybe we'll get to see some photos of Jasper in action? -Cyn

Joan,
May your special day be filled with everything good.

Joan, Honest it said today was your birthday. When I signed on this morning, before change over it had your birthday for today. Anyway you can have as many birthdays as you want without going forward in age. I personally started going backwards a few years ago, finally getting to an age I like. See you on your real birthday!

Joan - A most Happy Holiday to you and yours. Sending love and holiday hugs.