Drug Induced Dreams

He had the poor cat buried in the kitty litter box. 

I saw him.  

He had kitty poop and litter spread all over his body and the poor kitty was struggling to get away.  

I saw him.  

I yelled, but he wouldn't stop, so I started smacking him on the head.  

Then I woke up.  

No more morphine, vicodine, or codeine for me.

Why We Homeschool #4

I received the following email today from the Education Powers That Be.
The important parts are highlighted in red.
The gist of the whole thing is "NO CLASS PETS"

*The Center for Disease Control has announced an outbreak of human Salmonella associated with water frogs in 31 states including California. Amphibians such as frogs and reptiles such as turtles, are recognized as a source of human Salmonella infections. This outbreak has been associated due to contact with water frogs including African Dwarf Frogs. Water frogs commonly live in aquariums or fish tanks.

It is important for the protection of health and safety of students and staff that Board Policy 400.57 be followed, specific that:

“All animals brought to school must be:

1. In good physical condition;

2. Vaccinated against transmittable diseases;

3. In clean, safe and suitable cages or containers or otherwise appropriately controlled;

4. Accompanied by a statement from a California licensed veterinarian that certifies that the animal is free from all communicable diseases and suitable for children of the age range of the animal’s intended classroom placement (Administrative Regulation 400.57, p. 1) .

In addition the following hygiene practices are recommended to be followed:

• Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching any amphibian (e.g., frog) or reptile (e.g, turtle), their housing, or anything (for example, food) that comes in contact with them or their housing. Adults should assist young children with hand washing.
• Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after cleaning habitats.
• Amphibians (e.g., frogs) and reptiles (e.g., turtles) should not be kept in child-care centers.
• Do not allow amphibians or reptiles to roam freely through the classroom, especially in food preparation areas.
• Keep amphibians and reptiles out of kitchens and other areas where food and drink is prepared or served to prevent contamination.
• Habitats and their contents should be carefully cleaned outside of the classroom. Use disposable gloves when cleaning and do not dispose of water in sinks used for food preparation or for obtaining drinking water.
• Do not bathe animals or their habitats in sinks where food is prepared or drinking water is obtained.
• Children aged <5>
• Watch for symptoms of Salmonella infection, such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Call your health care provider if you or a family member have any of these symptoms

Additionally, it is strongly advised that water frogs and other amphibians not be allowed at school until this outbreak can be contained.*

This is one of our "classrooms" at home. You will notice the animal "helping" my daughter. This particular cat, Dora, is up to date on her shots, but does not have a statement from a California licensed veterinarian that she is free from communicable diseases. The vet did say that she is over-weight and needs a good teeth brushing.


Here is our backyard. Please notice my son's hand is actually touching(gasp) the chick. Again no vet cert is available upon request.
Come on, live a little.

The Lady of the Manor

Of course she is tired now, the sun is up.

I have become a slave in my own home. Early each morning, between the awful hours of 3:00 and 5:00, I am disturbed. First the small, whiskered face, with the cold nose shoved into mine. Then the trilled purr in my ear. Then the scratching of the bed posts. A thrown pillow only offers a short silence... next the small rude Prima Donna is walking over my head. Finally, that hairy, shedding, furball-hacking monster is turning on the radio. Why was the "sleep" button ever invented? Oh, now I know! So that crazy felines can up the ante and drag me from my warm bed.

I stumble down the hall, muttering... open the container... scoop the food into the bowls... nothing... the cat isn't even in sight... I look in the living room... there she is, staring at me, from under the Christmas Tree... (I am going to have to put that tree back in storage)... she wants to play... NO... I return to the food bowls... I whistle and the Lady of the Manor's sister strolls in, followed by bold, head held high, Queen of this domain, "Yes, you may go now, but you shall be punished later for your insolence", she dismisses me with a shake of her tail.

I hate that thing this early in the morning. I wickedly slide shut the doors, locking her in the kitchen. I return to bed for a few more hours of sleep... only to be awoken by scratching at the door as she demands her subjects pay obeisance...