Gourds

The Coyote Gourd, found in the Mohave Desert grows at the lowest and driest desert elevations along the edges of washes prefering sandy places. This plant has a sprawling vine with large yellow flowers. The pulp of this melon contains one of the most bitter substances known to mankind, yet we use it to make such things as soap. The Native Americans attribute the Coyote "the trickster" with giving these gourds a bitter flavor while providing edible, nutritious seeds high in protein and fat. Animals like the Coyote, Porcupine and others still find a way to eat the seeds while the Javelina dig up and eat the tuberous flesh-like roots they sniff out even when there are no viines above the ground. Humans have been using these gourds for containers & decorative items since prehistoric times.

Thanksgiving

In 1621 the Plymouth Colonists and Native Americans shared an Autumn Harvest Feast which has become known as the first Thanksgiving in America. From that time on families through out the states celebrated a day of Thanksgiving every year. A National Day of Thanksgiving was proclaimed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Now we celebrate November 24th as Thanksgiving. 

                                                                      
One of our many taditions during Thanksgiving is to tell all of our Family and Friends how thankful we are for them. We try to let each of the people who are important in our lives know exactly what they mean to us.                                 
            Holidays - Happy Thanksgiving - Greeting Cards-6 Greeting Cards with envelopes
Anytime our family gets together to Celebrate an occaion we like to help get everyone into a festive mood by decorating the house with objects for that special event. Thanksgiving is no different.
                                                                  

When it comes to holidays we remember the TV families that many of us grew up with. The memories of what their Thanksgivings were like brings a smile to our faces. It would be nice if we could all have a Great Thanksgiving.

                                                             

In 1963 President Kennedy gave a Presidential Pardon to the White House Turkey. It became a tradition for the President to Pardon the Turkey but in 1989 President Bush made it official.  

The main event for Thanksgiving is the Feast! We always had Turkey and all the trimmings that went with it.

                                                                      
                                                                     

Remember November is American Indian Heritage month

Take this time "Thanksgiving" to Thank all Native Americans 

                                                       
                    What ever you do this Thursday We Wish You and Yours a Happy Thanksgiving!

seeing Vegas with your Dog

Vegas

Living so close to Vegas we get to explore both the natural wonders around the city as well as the strip. There are a number of places that are dog friendly. One of my favorite is the Desert Breeze County Park. It has lots of grass for me to play in, it has both a path where we can walk with me on the leash and an area where dogs can play fenced in. They like it because it is just five miles from the strip.

The Lorenzi Park, just about a mile west of downtown is another great place to play in the grass and it has a beautiful lake.

Now for a small fee the Floyd Lamb State Park is a good place. With paths winding around the fishing lakes, historic sites and grassy areas shaded by trees makes it another one to put on your list of places to visit.

This park is at the top of our list of great dog friendly hiking places. Spring Mountain Recreation Area with over 316,000 acres within the Toiyabe National Forest and only thirty five miles outside of town. If you time your visit right you can see the waterfall or check out one of the small caves all at the foot of the majestic Mt. Charleston.

The fist park on our list is the Red Rock National Area. This park has hiking for everyone but keep in mind dogs are allowed on some and not others. Now you don't have to be a hiker to enjoy this park thanks to it's 13 mile loop with it vistas and overlooks. If your trip can't squeeze in another fee you can get a sampling of this parks beauty by stopping by the visitor center, it's free. The rock formations and color should not be missed plus it is just a twenty five  minute drive from Vegas. 

Then when you want to hit the Strip and see if you can win the big bucks just drop the four legged member of the family at the www.animalinnlv.com/  

  

 

Venomous Monster

They have a horrible reputation of being venomous monsters. Most people scream and jump up on furniture when they see them. Crawling like they are part of a racing team with their eight legs. But they can be very still too as they hold their menacing whip like tail over head. It is that dreadful tip on the tail that is the killer.
Actually only 25 of the 1000s of species can kill a human. They adapt real well and are found just about everywhere in the world, though they prefer the subtropics. Coming out at night and eating crickets are what Scorpions really like to do.
  
Love At First Sting

"Trick or Treat" comes to America

Some trace the origins of present day "trick-or-treat" to Samhain(pronounced sah-ween), which was their night of demonic jubilation.  Spirits would rise out of their graves and wander the countryside, trying to retun to the homes.  In an effort to appease the spirits, frightened villagers began the tradition of placing plates of food and bits of treats on their doorsteps; not doing this they feared, would result in the death of their flocks or the destruction of their property. 

The other issue the superstitious villagers believed was if the souls of dead loved ones could return that nights, so could anything else, nice or not-so-nice, so to blend in as one of the demonic hoard, they would wear masks and other disguises.  This is one of the believed origins of Halloween masquerading as devils, imps, ogres, and other demonic creatures.

Another European trace to "trick-or-treat", was a custom called "souling".  Beggars would go door to door to collect "soul cakes" in exchange for promising to say a prayer for a deceased depardent, further guaranteeing a soul's passage to heaven.   

Many of the customs were taken to the United States by the Irish and Scottish immigrants in the nineteenth century and developed into "trick or treat".  

Halloween Craft Making and Costume Making : Activity Tv : Learn Step By Step How to Make Costumes , Trick or Treat Bags , Carve Pumpkins and Other Decorations , Tasty Treats , How to Put on Makeup & More : 4 Dvd Set : 324 Minutes

Halloween origins and customs

History traces Halloween back to the ancient religion of the Celtics in Ireland.  They were very conscious of the spirit world and helping their over 300 gods to defeat enemies in battle.  One of the main feasts was called Samhain (pronounced Sah-ween), celebrated Nov 1.  They believed this to be a time when hostile supernatural forces were active and ghosts and spirits were free to wander as they wished.

By A.D.  43, the Romans had conquered the majority of the Celtic territory, and Roman festivals were combined with the Celtic celebration of Samhain forming a blending of Paganism with Christianity.  One such union was  the day for the Romans to honor Pomona, who was symbolized as an apple, since she was the goddess of fruit and trees. This blending with Samhain explains the idea of bobbing for apples on Halloween.    

In the 7th Century a Pope introduced All Saits' Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs, to replace the pagan festival of the dead.  Oct. 31, thus became All Hallows's Eve. 

The Rise of Christianity: How the Obscure, Marginal, Jesus Movement Became the Dominant Religious Force ....

Animals & Halloween

Bats and Owls have always had their place in Halloween lore. At one time thought to be spirits of the dead.
With bats living in caves they were linked to the underworld. When people would hear the screech of the owl they were afraid that it was demons screaming out from the darkness. Even black cats were believed to be witches who prowled the streets for an unsuspecting passerby to cast an evil spell on. Many creatures that come out at night were feared to be lost souls reincarnated to continue making havoc of mankind's lives.

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS - Self-guided Walking Tour - Includes insider tips and photos - Explore on your own schedule - Like having a friend show you around! (Visual Travel Tours)

Ventura Beach a dog's best friend

If you want to spend some time with your dog, on a dog friendly beach, Marina Park, Ventura, CA is the place you want to be. Toby stayed at a dog friendly motel on E Harbor Blvd. Ventura, CA and it took about five mins. to drive to the park and to downtown shops. Check out the mission and the mission park, beautiful fountains and one of the largest trees you will ever see. Fantastic architecture and very friendly people, had a great time and look forward going back.
Toby had fun playing with the other dogs and we enjoyed watching & listening to the crashing waves. There are other parks in town equally dog friendly and a great place to watch surfers and those who want to be.

Autumn

It is a beautiful time of year. The trees start changing colors and like an artist paint the landscape with Oranges, Yellows, Reds and even Purples plus we can't forget the Brown, I know not as pretty but still part of the fantastic Fall foliage.
As the days get shorter the trees realize Winter is coming so they start going into a dorment phase. This lack of activity cause some chemicals to get trapped in the leaves and this turns Red & Purple. Too much of another chemical is what brings about the Oranges and Yellows. Now Brown that is just waste left in the leaves.
That's right all these beautiful colors we look forward to are just natures way of dealing with the next season, Winter.

911

09/11/01

World Trade Center:
we ask what were you doing when it happened? Where were you?
When i saw it on the TV i thought it was a movie. Then as i listened to the reporter i spotted in the corner of my eye another plane, i go "Oh my Gosh, this is not an accident, this is War!" Then i started flipping channels to hear the latest. Another plane hit the Pentagon, soon another had crashed in a field in PA.
As a Nation we were in horror, as a People we knew this changes everything.
Now, ten years later we honor those who died, some because it was their job, some because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, others voted and decided to die on their terms, Flight 93: The Movie
People from many countries died because these acts by a few men. They knew why they were doing it. Those who helped them had their reasons. Why and Who was really behind it? Al-Qaeda? Why did we attack Iraq then? There are as many facts as there are questions.

Dust Devil

On a beautiful sunny day in Arizona while out exploring the desert landscape you might see one of these twirling in the distance. Most of the time Dust Devils don't get big enough to do much damage. But don't be fooled by their size, you would not want to be standing in their path. Maybe you have seen them cross the highway as a vehicle hits them, it can catch a driver off-guard.
Dust Devils can become very strong and in rare cases people have been hurt by them. Even a small one can be a well formed whirlwind staying together for some time. They are similar to tarnadoes with winds rotating upward in a column of sand and debris.
So next time your traveling across the southwest US be watching for a little dust kicking up. It might be the beginning of a Dust Devil!

Weather Detectives, The: Fun-filled facts, experiments, and activitiesFun-filled Facts, Experiments, and Activities for Kids

Dental Care is as important for dogs as humans

Dogs like humans do not like going to a doctor or dentist, but dental problems are as prevalent in dogs as in humans and Tatar build up/plaque is the number one cause of gingivitis which can lead to exposure of roots, and even cause teeth to fall out. It also allows bacteria to grow and migrate to other organ, such as; the heart and kidneys.

There is a false conception that dry dog food averts this, or can even break it down, when in fact it only allows it to build up at a slower rate.

Brushing the teeth with dog tooth paste or using a washcloth composed of water mixed with baking soda will aid in its' reduction. Check with your vet as to the proportion of baking soda to water.
Petrodex Dog Dental Care Kit, Beef Toothpaste with 2 Toothbrushes

Hurrican Killer

I am no scientist or meteorologist but it looks like everything has to be just right in the atmosphere for a hurricane to form. Warm moist air over a warm body of water, the ocean, starts rising, because heat rises. Surrounding air is pulled in to take its place. As that warm air rises it cools off and forms clouds. All this begins to spin and grow rotating faster & faster. The winds aloft push it along helping it to move over the surface of the ocean but not interfering with the storms evolution. Hurricanes develop vertically so a change in wind speed and direction would be like throwing a ball into a window. The storm would most likely fall apart. So if we could create a wind shear we might be able to stop a hurricane.

Labor Day

Who would have thought that you could be given a holiday "Labor Day" for working so hard. That is right as a nation we have set a side a date on our calendar, September 5th, to remember the hard working Americans. This day is to commemerate the contributions of those who without their sweat, sometimes blood and yes even life this country would not nor could it be the grand nation that it is. It is only fitting that we as a people pay tribute to the workforce that helped build country into what it is today. So make big plans for this holiday because it trully is your holiday.

Weather Survival

In arid regions like the deserts of Arizona wild duststorms can form. You can see dustdevils all over the landscape of Arizona. But when you see a Haboob you need to get to shelter. When a thunderstorm forms the winds will move in other directions being pulled into the storm. Then when the storm reaches the point of producing rain it caves in on it self. This pushes the wind out away from the storm known now as a downdraft. As the wind hits the desert floor it causes the sand to blow out forming a wall of debris ahead of the storm. They can be as wide as 60 miles with severe damaging winds. The following picture

is of one that hit Eloy Arizona August 18th 2011. Homes were damaged, billboard signs were scattered over the highway. We were lucky to make it through this storm. We will share more photos soon. Toby was not to happy about being caught in this Haboob.
Midland Consumer Radio WR-120B NOAA Weather Alert All Hazard Public Alert Certified Radio with SAME, Trilingual Display and Alarm Clock - Gift Box(White)

Profile of a Breed

American Cocker Spaniel, the smallest of the spaniels,was first seen in America around the 1800s. They were popular for hunting back then but today they are a popular as family pets. The American Cocker Spaniel is a fun loving, energetic dog. This breed is well known for being good around children as well as strangers & other dogs. They love the challeges that new activities bring to their lives, both mentally & physically. Most enjoy swimming and fetching things. Dogs that spend more time indoors can be more likely to gain weight. It is very important to feed them a well balanced meal and make sure they get enough exercise.
When it comes to Toby he likes going on a couple of walks a day and a little time inside playing fetch. His favorite game is hide-n-seek. We take him on the road all the time, he loves to travel. You can follow his adventures on our website @ toby-z-website.com See you there.
Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food, Lamb and Rice Recipe, 30-Pound Bag

Multi System Neuronal Degeneration in Cocker Spaniels

The internet is a wonderful tool, but I tried to find out why our Cocker Spaniel has occassional times where his teeth chatter and his muscle twitches, all the while conscious, but he acts like he doesn't know what is going on and being a nurse thought had to be some kind of seizure. We found an article by "Dog Owner's Home Vet. Handbook", sudden inexplicable short bouts of teeth chattering could be a sign of focal motor seizures also called partial seizures. It went on to say the dog stays conscious and part of the goes into spasms.

Additionally, found information referring to the phenomenon as Multi System Neuronal Degeneration, usually hereditary in nature. Some of the information was confusing in the sense that said that it was found to be in red colored Cocker Spaniels, but can be found in others, because Toby is basically white, with a hint of "buff". The really disturbing aspect is that it can only be diagnosed post mortum.

While researching this I discovered another affliction for white hair colored dogs, called "White Dog Shaker Syndrome".

I was wondering if anyone knew anymore about either; it is quite concerning seeing him experience this and powerless to help.
Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook

Cocker Spaniel Behavior ?

If you have been to our website, tobyzwebsite.com, you know Toby's story, so I always thought that Toby howls when he is away from us because of his abandoment issues, but I have been told by other Cocker Spaniel owners that their dogs do the same. Previously I had a Cocker Spaniel from the time he was a puppy, and naturally he cried when he was first put outside at night, which resulted in his becoming an indoor dog. Shortly after getting him we got another dog and they were always together. I never remember his howling; I have to wonder is it because he had another dog to keep him company? I have thought about getting another dog, but Toby seems to require a great deal of attention, and I am concerned that he would be hurt if another dog was introduced. When he has been around other dogs, he interacts with them until he is bored with them and then turns his back and leaves them, even if they still want to play. Are his lack of social skills the result of his not being brought up around another dog on a regular basis? Is his howling when left unattended even for few mins, when dropped off for grooming, or when taken doggie day care normal?

Best Product

Today most of what we buy is mass produced. I am afraid that a lot of people just use a product with out checking it. Do you read the lable? Regretfully there are times when I buy merchandise without look at the lable for safety and you know I am going to try to put it together without reading the directions. If not all most say: "use as directed", Warning: "keep out of reach of children", "do not use if safety seal is broken or missing".
The product I have on my desk now says "focus on the fun at hand". They all have some kind of guarantee or promise. Here is another product: says it has magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, salt and a negligible amount of sodium. Now what is negligible: so small it can be ignored, unimportant. So why did it have to be included?
Check out this one it has 11% alcohol and it tells you not to swallow.
If you do swallow get medical help right away! So next time you go shopping take a look at what your buying. Do you know what is in it?
Proactiv Solution Original Renewing Cleanser 4 oz

Do I really want a dog?

08/02/2011

As any of us with common sense know it is an awesome responsibility assuming the care of a dog(s). Unfortunately all to often parents are pursuaded to get a dog after the child/children promise that they will take care of him; that may last a week and then it falls back to the parents. I grew up with dogs, and my parents fed them, and who knows who cleaned up their poop(trust me it wasn't me).

In my adult years we had two dogs for thirteen years, and their loss was great; so great we decided never again, and that lasted maybe a year. Hearing Toby's turmoil of being locked in a cage at least 14 hours a day broke my heart, so I had to set him free, by asking his owner to allow me to take him, after discussing it with my family. There was resistance at first from my family as I was reminded of the sacrifices but I didn't listen, so we took him in. He is remarkable; no matter how bad a day at work you've had you come home he and jumps on you, tail wagging, his running through the house as if saying come in, we missed you terribly.

As with most things, with the joy, there is sacrifice. Whatever we do he is a top consideration. When we travel, we have to go to dog friendly places and motels, or places that allow for him to be day boarded, but for short periods; he has separation anxiety.

He is, as they are for so many others, a large part of our lives and brings a great deal of joy, but please remember before you bring a dog into your lives consider the sacrifices and whether you are willing to make them before you bring one home.


Headless Horseman Pet Costume

The Horror

When i stepped out this morning i thought it was The Day The Earth Stood Still, there was a strange Supernatural feeling, vampires were no longer hiding in the Dark Shadows,werewolves did not wait for the full moon, people did not look right, they were shapeshifters, Transformers, i saw a man of steel, another of iron, a Spiderman, Batman and yes even hobbits, there were no Birds overhead, i just knew we were on the Fringe, then there was a Big Bang, it was Captain America, but he was not hear to save the day but to sign autographs beause everybody was just Being Human, this was...
Comic-Con!