A rocky time with Ballwinkle

August 11th was Mascot day at training camp...so there were a number of area mascots in attendance. They walked around the bleacher area where the fans were watching the practice and a few came in the tent. Most of them hung out over in the kids area....but one of them...."Ballwinkle" decided to visit everyone in the tent. He is the mascot for the minor league Binghamton Mets.

There are several family members who are not terribly fond of assorted characters like clowns, unicorns and giant creatures at theme parks....you know who you are...hahahah and Ellen is one of them.  However she was a pretty good sport when Ballwinkle came over to pay us a visit.
We didn't exactly discourage him from joining us...but we weren't seeking him out either. However, he found us...and decided to hang out for a while. I have been known to attract the oddballs in the crowd...hahah...at bars, nightclubs, etc. I like to believe it's because I look friendly...not because I look weird! hahahah At any rate...they always seem to find me. Even the big furry mascot ones....

                       Doesn't Ellen look like she's having fun!/ hahahahahahahahahahahahah
What you can't see is Anna, who was sitting on the other side of the table laughing hysterically...which made me laugh and only encouraged Ballwinkle to keep it up.

                                       He's just lucky Marcus and John weren't around....hahah

Ellen was probably glad he quit pestering her and moved on to my side of the table...

I did "play" along with him...talked on the banana phone, danced...because I figured  some little kids might be watching and I wanted them to know it was just for fun. No one there knew me...so why not...

poor Ellen!

I am laughing as I put these pictures here...because the whole thing was so goofy!

 Luckily after this last "stunt' he moved on to some other people.....and left us alone. I did get a good laugh out of the whole thing...and I don't know if anyone else was watching...or if he did the same thing with anyone else....I'm just glad he didn't hang around us the whole time!

Just another day at training camp......

I'm going to miss my little shadow...

This past Friday we had to say good-bye to our little dog Kiena. I know it was for the best; but I'm sure going to miss her. I keep expecting to see her in her regular  napping spots throughout the house...on her bed, in the hallway, next to our bed, on one of the recliners.

 When we first got her...she was "technically" Brenna's dog. (part of our bribe to get Brenna to stay/go to a school she wasn't particularly thrilled about going to). Brenna had been wanting a dog for a long time. She did some research and determined that Shelties were good dogs for families with children. Then she found a breeder in Palm Bay (?) who had a litter. The day John took Brenna and Megan, just to look, they found Kiena and it was a done deal.

Brenna house trained her, taught her a few tricks and took care of her...but the bottom line is...I was usually the one who noticed when the dog needed water, wanted to go out, wanted to eat...etc. It wasn't that Kiena liked me better...she just knew if she wanted something I'd be most likely to deliver...hahah we didn't know it at the time, but apparently Shelties tend to latch on to one person in the family, and when Brenna was in bed for a couple of days after she got her tonsils out...Kiena became MY dog. If I was home...she didn't want to take a walk with anyone else. in Megan's case it might have had something to do with roller skates...hahah Of course anyone could feed her, hahah.
 So...for the first time in my life, I became a dog person. Growing up the only pets we ever had were turtles and goldfish. When the girls were little we had the usual assortment of fish, gerbils, then a rabbit and  Megan's cat, Blackie. But Blackie was pretty independent...he wasn't the type of cat to sit on your lap. I t was all new to me. I remember getting tangled up with the leash while walking her at first...and a neighbor gave me a few tips about the kind of leash that might be good and a few other simple tips. Over the years we've met many other dogs and neighbors on our twice daily trips around the block .
I enrolled Kiena in dog obedience classes...and she learned quickly...probably quicker that I did...haha. Our biggest problem was me with the left/right thing...I never seemed to have her where she was supposed to be...but we managed. No dog shows for us...hahah In the early years she barked a lot (common for the breed). Squirrels, cats, birds...you name it, she'd chase it and bark. I never left her outside for too long at a time so we didn't drive anyone too crazy..
She enjoyed visitors, once she got to know them The first time Brenna brought Haze home; Kiena didn't know what to think of the big , goofy bundle of energy that was running all over the place. After a few minutes...she walked over to Brenna and then proceeded to give her a piece of her mind. She stood there and barked at Brenna and seemed to be saying "What the heck do you think you're doing with this dog in my house!" It was pretty funny...but she relaxed and they became friends. They had some fun times together playing...

Kiena just realized that when Haze was playing...she was never going to get the ball. So she barked!
When she got to meet Megan's dog Rupert...it was a little more of an even playing field...he was younger...but closer to her size...hahah

Kiena liked to hop up on the loveseat and watch us coming and going. When she was younger she'd jump up onto our bed to sleep next to us sometimes. In the last few years she mostly stayed on the ground next to the bed...but every once in awhile, with an unusual burst of energy she'd make it up. (our bed is a little high off the ground) If I wasn't feeling well...she'd keep me company all day...and wait patiently for me to get up and let her outside.

Her arch-nemesis lived on the corner down the street. He (?) was a black and white cat...that for whatever reason, she NEVER liked him. She would bark at it, pull on the leash and act like if she could get him, she would!
He must've been sending some high-pitched signal that I couldn't hear...but he always looked so smug...hahah sitting there watching her on her leash, unable to do anything..hahah. It's kind of ironic...about a month ago I noticed the cat was not looking too well. He just looked very thin and his fur looked a little scraggly...like he must've been sick. It got to the point that even though Kiena and I didn't like him...hahah...I found myself looking for him each morning when we walked past...to make sure he was still around. If I didn't see him for a couple of days...I'd think the worst...but then there he'd be again. Well...about a week or so ago he was gone and I noticed his little bowl by the front door was gone too. I guess I was so focused on his decline...that I missed Kiena's. Not that I hadn't noticed little changes over the last year or two. She was a little slower, she slept a lot and very soundly...sometimes we'd be home for a while before she even knew we were there. (usually a change in the light signaled her that someone was home). She didn't fret so much during fireworks and thunderstorms (sometimes...but not as much)...because she couldn't hear them as well.. When we walked I'd notice a little mis-step here or there...but nothing serious. Her annual check-up was good...healthy weight, healthy gums, other than her sneezing that wouldn't go away...she seemed to be relatively well.
Around the end of May I noticed that the sneezing now was accompanied by a blood tinged mucus. Antibiotics seemed to help...but it never really cleared up. Then she started having a little drip of blood from the nose now and then. In my heart I knew something was up...and at first I was afraid to admit it...but I made an appointment and took her in. We had the vet take an x-ray and the snout looked clear of any type tumor or bone decay. She got her teeth cleaned and had a couple of loose teeth pulled. The Dr. told us that he could  do a CT-scan...but didn't feel it was worth putting her through the test...because ultimately...even if we found something...there wasn't a lot we could do. Radiation would cause other problems, surgery in that area would be difficult and at 14...we weren't interested in chemo if it was cancer. So...we decided to bide our time and see how things went. as long as she was pain-free and eating, playing etc...we were ok.
She was okay for the next month or two...but last Friday at 5:30am, we woke to find her sneezing hard and bleeding heavily from her nose. She wasn't sure what was going on...and was pacing around. John managed to keep her still and try to get the bleeding to stop; but we decided we'd better make a trip to the local animal ER. I hated the place the minute I walked in. All I could think was that I did not want my little dog to stay there...especially if this was it. They told us they could run a bunch of labs and tests (which our vet had already suggested we avoid doing)...to the tune of 1200.00 to 3500.00 . We thanked them and took her home. I called our vet later that morning. We took her in...and they gave us some medicine to help in case bleeding started again. Explained what to be looking for, as far as signs of decline, etc and we discussed our options. we went home feeling a little better. She slept, John took a nap and I went for a bike ride to clear my head. Shortly after I got home, she woke up and then the sneezing and bleeding started again. With John's help we settled her down. But again about a half an hour later it started. This is when John came undone. He was so very upset watching her struggling; we decided that we couldn't watch her in that condition. We made a call to our vet...gone for the day. They faxed the records to Aloha (where our good friend Heather works.) She talked to John and told us to bring her in. Heather has known us and Kiena all 14 yrs of her life...so that made the decision so much easier. We talked to Heather and the Drs and together made the call. I have to say...during all of this Kiena was extremely calm. There have been visits to the vet where she got anxious and would shake like crazy...but she never once did that Friday. The whole final good-bye was very calm and comforting. She relaxed with us until it was time and I am so happy it was like that for her in the end. No pain, no suffering or long drawn out illness...just a peaceful ending.

December 2013

a favorite spot...found her in this chair most mornings...she lift her head onto the arm rest and look at me;

waiting for me to get going

Now I know things worked out for the best...but as any pet owner knows...losing your pet is like losing a good friend. Someone who is always happy to see you...and loves you no matter what (just keep the treats handy!)

I'll miss this look -

the one that kind of said..."Okay...where are we going?"

So good-bye little friend...we had 14 good years together and I will miss you.

April 9, 2014

Jets Training Camp (with the stars)

After Martha arrived in NY she joined us at the Training camp. The Jets had the tent for the day...season ticket holders, sponsors, etc. We still had the SUNY Cortland ladies serving food...breakfast sandwiches, bacon, hash browns, fruit and juice and coffee. Martha, Anna, Ellen and I went shopping the tent. Martha picked up a few things ; and we got a few odds and ends. The weather was perfect again...we really lucked out! Martha and I both got T-shirts. And I had to laugh when I over heard other people (parents) saying to their family members.."Why do you want that? You're not even really a Jets fan?" Well...I'll tell you...even if you aren't when you first get there...you can't help but be a fan when you leave. You see these guys working hard to make the team..in our case we got to meet some of them...and you can't help but be a fan.I've been rooting for them for the past few years...ever since they started going to Cortland. You gain a new appreciation for what they do. John who's a Miami fan at heart...will root for the Jets this year...when they aren't playing his team...anyway. Martha will too I'm guessing...if she watches at all. (she keeps pretty busy...don't think she spends too much time watching football)

Jackie

Once again we watched the players coming in to the practice.

Anna ready with her football, Martha, Anne and Ellen

Erik was expecting a special guest that day. William Fitchner (actor in a bunch of movies...TMNT, Elysium, Lone Ranger, The Perfect Storm to name a few) had contacted him about a project he was working on. He had hoped to film (I think) something at Cortland...but because of Training Camp schedule...Erik had to turn him down...however he told him if he was in the area he should stop by and check out Training Camp. He did...and he brought one of his good friends...Kim Coates ( TIG-Sons of Anarchy).  I have to admit, when Erik mentioned he was expecting William...I really wasn't sure who he was talking about. Erik assured us we would recognize him as soon as we saw him...and we did. When he arrived...Erik was down on the field with a group. John spotted them as soon as they walked into the tent. He went over and introduced himself and told them the what was going on. IN a few minutes Erik was back.

Ellen and John with the guys

Erik telling them about the fields, the arrangement with the team, etc

Turns out Kim is actually a Buffalo fan...but William is a Jets fan. (Martha wasn't even sure who she was coming to see...hahah...not really...she remembered...but she doesn't have a "team"). The guys were interested to hear the story...asked some questions and enjoyed their tour. At some point one of the trainers ran over when she spotted Kim. She told him there are three guys on the team who call themselves the "Sons of Anarchy"...Wilkerson, Harrison and Richardson...they are huge fans of the show and she wondered if he would be there long enough for them to come over and meet him and get a picture with him after practice. (about 15 minutes before it ended) He agreed to hang around.

By now some of the other people had kind of figured out who they were...and Erik's assistant was trying to figure out how to get a "selfie" with Kim because her sons love the show. I was acting like the agent hahah...told her "Go ask...they'll be glad to take a picture with you"...like I had anything to say in the matter..but I said that because it was true. They were super nice and happy to take pictures with whoever asked. We were chatting with them a bit while practice wrapped up.

It was fun watching everyone getting excited when they realized who the two "guests" were.  

Here's the Son with the "sons"...they enjoyed meeting him. The photographer was running around snapping pictures and people were jumping in and out of group shots...and I was enjoying watching the whole thing! I really was. Of course...my sisters will tell you...I was like some kind of groupie...totally unlike my usual personality...I was asking for autographs,  asking for pictures...etc. Well...Erik suddenly said..."I bet Rex is a fan of the show. Here I'll introduce you to him" Kim said something like..."Oh I don't want to bother him..." I was like...Yes, yes...introduce them...hahah because I was planning on taking some photos! I figured that was as close as I was going to get to meeting Rex Ryan....I'd have to settle for a few photos from just a few feet away. Sure enough Rex said "Tig is my favorite character" and came right over to meet him.

William Fitchner, Rex Ryan, Kim Coates and Nick Mangold

I don't think any of them noticed me...the crazy person hovering around with my little camera...hahah

After a few minutes the guys decided they needed to start heading out...they had places to go.They shook hands, gave Ellen, Martha and I a hug...thanked us and then we all headed back to the tent...and I watched everyone along the way scrambling for their cameras to get pictures!

it was kind of funny I had them lined up, then Kim said...Wait turn it around this way...the lighting will be better...a true veteran of many, many pictures!

John was back in the tent during all this...so I had to get a picture of him with them. Also one final shot of them with Erik...since he's the reason they were there in the first place. Then they had to slowly make their way out...stopping for many  photos on the was. The police/security guys (jokingly (?) asked if they need a security detail to walk them to their car...mainly because they wanted a photo too...hahah One of the policemen was kind of hesitant...but I saw he had his phone out...he wanted a picture...once again...I acted like the agent..."Sure...just ask them...they'll be glad to take one"...but they did...and I really think they had as much fun as all of the rest of us did. It just took them a while to get to their car! After they left I went and got a couple of autographs...for one of our friends.

And that was Training Camp for John and I...Martha was there for another day with Ellen and Erik.

August in New York

Last Friday, John and I flew up to Cortland , NY to visit Ellen, Erik and Anna and to attend the Jets Training Camp.Martha flew in from Hawaii on Sunday. So we had a mini reunion and had fun checking out the program.
School is out for the summer...so the campus is pretty quiet till the Jets come to town. Actually the whole town is pretty quiet...and the influx of team, support staff and fans is always a good thing!

 We stopped at this local spot more than once during our visit. The owner knows E & E...so we were treated like one of the locals...

out for a walk..posing by sign across the street from Ellen and Erik's house

Now...neither John nor I are true Jets fans....I'm from Pittsburgh and it doesn't matter that I've been in Florida for over 45 years...I'm still a Pittsburgher at heart...and that means I root for the Steelers. John has always been a Dolphins fan....but that is not  always easy...hahahah in recent years anyway. Since the Jets began going to Cortland for their camp...I have become a fan. As long as it doesn't come down to a showdown between the Steelers and Jets...I'll root for them. When Tebow was there for a season...most Gators cheered for him.......however...the Dolphin fans really really don't like the Jets...hahahah...they are big rivals.
I  actually got to go to a couple of match-ups in the past (20 some yrs ago)....both of which were won by the Jets. I was on a bus full of mostly drunk disappointed Dolphin fans....secretly glad that the Jets had won....because for whatever reason...I just never have been a fan of Miami. I just can't root for them ...hahah.
I also like Rex Ryan who is the head coach of the Jets. I like his sense of humor and the fact that he seems like he loves what he does. A lot of head coaches are so serious...and I understand that...football is big business...but I like it when people have fun AND do their jobs.
Everyone wondered why we would want to go to JETS camp?????? the answer is easy...Why not? when would we get an opportunity to do something like this anywhere else. Because my brother-in-law is the president of the university...we were automatically VIPs. with field passes! Very cool!

                         We got to go in the back way...where the players and coaches enter. (Got to check out some of the players vehicles....lots of nice looking, BIG trucks, etc.)

There was a kids area set up on one side of the field. Also some bleachers,  a gift shop (set up Disney style...hahah you had to go through the gift shop to get to the stands) and tent for special guests. The team and the University had the tent on alternate days. When the school had the tent, they could invite alumni and donors and special friends of the University. Team days usually included season ticket holders, sponsors, etc. Coffee, juice,water and breakfast was served each morning.(eggs, hash browns, bacon, assorted fruit) The first 50 kids to enter the "play" area were given special wrist bands that entitled them to go to a designated area at the end of practice to meet some of the players and get autographs. Other fans could sit or stand on the side lines (behind a "fence").....where they could also try to get autographs after practice. Different player groups signed on different days....linesmen, tackles, etc.

Students have been able to get hands on experience during the training camps....some film the practice.....
some work with the trainers, etc. I think Erik said about 15 graduates have been hired by the organization since the partnership started. The Jets are the only team that allows fans to be down on the sidelines during the practice. Typically, Erik takes groups of about 10 people down along the sideline to watch for about 25-30 minutes. Of course no videos can be taken...but pictures are allowed.

with our special passes...we got to stay on the field

We got to watch the coaches and players walking in and Ellen and Erik introduced us to a couple of them.

Rod Graves-Sr Director of Football Administration was kind enough to stop and chat with us

Cortland staff had red shirts...team staff wore green...only players in red were the quarterbacks

It was interesting to watch and fun too. enjoyed seeing the other fans getting the tour; some were very surprised to be able to get on the sidelines. One family brought sauce from their restaurant as a gift to Erik. They told us they drove 4 hours to get to the site...but loved it and hoped to come back next year. A few of the staff people we talked to also told us how much they enjoyed coming to Cortland for the camp. They feel getting the team away as a group cuts down on distractions and helps them bond as a team. I know the coaches like it...and with any luck...in other words a winning season...I think they plan to come back. If they do...we'll be back too...it was fun! More next time! There were some special guests on Sunday.