My little precious is still wiped out from her ordeal.

Ciao.

Friends, we had such hopes for our vacation in Fort Myers Beach. It was going to be lovely. We were going to enjoy walks on the beach and sunsets.

Enjoying a walk to the end of our beach area.

Our end of the beach was calm and quiet. Very relaxing – the way it should be.

View from our balcony.

 The birds were so much fun to watch. Glad to see their protection is important.

Lots of birds – fun to watch.

 I just loved the pelicans perching in the trees! Fantastic!

Something about pelicans perched on the trees…

 Emma and Miriam enjoying the sunset. This is what it’s all about!

Emma and Miriam enjoying an evening of sunset watching.

Thank you, Lee County, for the warning. I will definitely shuffle my feet!

Do as the sign says…

 Need I say more?

There’s something about the beach…

These first two days were a wonderful beginning to a week in paradise. Then….

…Peanut decided that she wasn’t suited to be kenneled away from home. Yesterday morning we received communication that she had tried to climb, chew and claw her way out. Another night of this and who knows if she would still be with us. So, off to the airport to rent a car. Drove home in record time and rescued poor Peanut from her self destructiveness. As always, the UF Vet school was very accommodating and saw Peanut this morning. We now have her on some meds to heal infection and help with pain. As soon as she is feeling better, we will determine the specific dental work needed to fix her broken teeth. Never again will she be kenneled anywhere other than home. Game and match to Peanut.

Now, I’m tired and going to bed.

Ciao.

Our front yard has been beautiful this year! The crepe myrtles were overwhelmed with blossoms!

We had been looking for a new door mat and found one we loved!

Ciao.

4th of July Fun! from Lisa Balsamo on Vimeo.

Our sweet boy, our beloved Boxer was put to rest on Tuesday, May 28, 2013. Boxer was 13 years old and had been battling kidney disease along with a progressive neuropathy. He passed peacefully surrounded by a roomful of people including his moms and dear friends from the UF Vet School. It was such a comfort to have so many who loved him present. To know Boxer, was to love Boxer. We still miss him terribly and tears still flow easily. What a joy he was to our lives – how special he was to all of us.

We pieced together a short video as a remembrance of his life with us.

You touched us so very much, Boxer. We love you. Rest in peace, our love, rest in peace.

Posted with Blogsy

Boxer had therapy and a checkup today. His kidney values were still high, although phosphorous levels had decreased slightly. Our biggest concern right now is getting him to eat. He had lost over 2 lb. since last week and that, my friends, is not good. We do have him on an appetite stimulant and he was given something else for nausea today during his stay at the Vet school.

Feeding like a baby….

Kibbles one at a time….

We’ll do what we can to help him eat. I went by Earth Pets to get some puppy food. At this point, the high protein and fat is insignificant – he must eat.

A salad and an episode of “Cougar Town”…. a nice way to spend an evening.

Despite Boxer not eating well….we’re going to eat well. Gotta keep up our strength in order to help him.

What a handsome boy….

For those of you who don’t know, I love Woodchuck Cider- the Summer Edition. It’s delish! Could not find any last year and was very excited to learn that Ward’s had it in stock this year. Went back to Ward’s today and saw this:

Empty shelf!

I immediately went to the Woodchuck Cider web site and searched for other vendors. It indicates there are three locations in Gainesville that sell the Summer Edition of Woodchuck. Summer lovers – you’re welcome and you may file this away. I’m counting on you NOT to make a run on this precious beverage. Leave at least one 6-pack for me! I have four bottles left in the fridge…and must restock soon.

I watched a instructional video on Lynda.com on iPhonagraphy – photography using an iPhone. The instructor mentioned several different photo editing software to process your images. In the photo below, I chose Snapseed although you could use another or use several on the same image. Just playing around this morning as I wait for family members to wake up and get moving.

The photo was taken with an iPhone 4S and edited on an iPad. And this blog entry was written on an iPad using my favorite iPad blogging app called Blogsy.

Let me go make some noise and see if I can get this household moving.

Ciao.

The evening fluids have been given. Boxer’s phosphorous levels are too high and we are adding yet another med to his repertoire. The good news is his last antibiotics are given tonight! Thank goodness! Hopefully, his stomach will settle down a little and he’ll begin eating more.

We love our porch! Here is part of the family enjoying an evening together in our comfy screened room.

I never did get the opportunity to blog about the basketball season – but did on our club site! Check out the Gator Backcourt Club site! This was my last year as secretary of the Gator Backcourt Club. I’m not ruling out another run – but wanted to let another member experience life on the board. The end of year banquet was very nice – very special. And I’m already looking forward to next season! What a wonderful team and staff!

Miriam, Janna, Coach and Lisa

Ya’ll stay safe out there! Ciao.